The economic centres in Dambulla and Tambuttegama have been forced to dump around 4,000 kgs of plantains each day.
The reasons cited are low prices, increased supply and low demand.
The minimum wholesale price of plantain has now dropped to Rs. 40 per kg, with the two centres already receiving 13,000 kgs in total.
The retail price in the market ranges from Rs. 180 to Rs. 225.
Supply has risen from Jaffna, Embilipitiya and Anuradhapura, said vegetable growers’ association president Nimal Hewawitarana.
Cultivators are finding it difficult even find the transport costs from the sales.
Hewawitharana called for immediate interventions by the authorities to resolve their issues, adding that a mechanism should be in place to buy the produce for export.
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