The North Central Provincial Department of Agriculture has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Banana Tissue Culture Planting Material Production Laboratory at the In-Service Training Institute in Maha Illuppallama on Tuesday (02nd of September).

The laboratory was established with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the South-South Cooperation (SSC) Programme with the People’s Republic of China.

Equipped with modern facilities, the lab will supply high-quality, disease-free banana tissue-cultured planting materials to farmers in the North Central, Northern, and North-Western Provinces. Previously, farmers relied on planting material transported from the southern region, which was costly and often damaged during transit.

This new facility is expected to significantly boost banana productivity, quality, and profitability while directly benefiting banana nursery owners and farmers. It will also contribute to creating a stronger and more competitive fruit value chain.

FAO supported the initiative by providing specialized equipment, chemicals, and technical training for staff, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to high standards. The project is part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of banana, mango, and pineapple value chains in Sri Lanka, with an eye on both domestic consumption and exports.

Speaking at the opening, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa said the lab marks a major step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s fruit sector by reducing costs for farmers and enhancing their competitiveness in local and international markets.

FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan, highlighted the value of international partnerships, stating that the laboratory demonstrates how Sri Lanka’s commitment to agricultural development, combined with FAO’s expertise and China’s support, can deliver tangible benefits to farming communities.

This milestone aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader goals of modernizing agriculture, increasing farmer incomes, and promoting sustainable, market-oriented fruit production.