September 02, Colombo (LNW): A major step forward for Sri Lanka’s agricultural innovation has taken root in the heart of the island’s dry zone, as a new Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory has officially commenced operations at the In-Service Training Institute in Maha Illuppallama.
Established by the North Central Provincial Department of Agriculture, this cutting-edge facility is poised to transform banana cultivation across the North Central, Northern, and North Western Provinces—regions that have long contended with the challenges of unreliable and costly planting material supply chains.
Developed with expert technical guidance and funding from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) through its South-South Cooperation initiative with China, the laboratory represents a significant investment in sustainable farming and regional self-sufficiency.
Until now, banana growers in these parts of the country were heavily reliant on tissue-cultured plants transported from the southern provinces. The logistics of moving such delicate materials often led to damage, delays, and additional expenses for smallholder farmers.
The newly launched lab addresses these issues head-on by producing high-quality, disease-free, and fast-growing banana plants locally—offering both convenience and cost-efficiency to cultivators.
Beyond simply supplying plants, the facility is expected to serve as a knowledge hub. Local agricultural officers and lab technicians have received specialised training to operate and manage the lab according to global best practices, ensuring that its output meets rigorous quality standards.
The FAO has also provided a full suite of scientific equipment, culture media, and other critical materials necessary for the laboratory’s operation.
This initiative forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at revitalising Sri Lanka’s fruit sector, with targeted improvements in banana, mango, and pineapple production. By strengthening the entire value chain—from propagation to post-harvest handling—the programme aims to not only improve domestic availability of fresh fruit but also enhance Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in regional export markets.
Officials believe that by empowering farmers with access to improved planting materials and advanced cultivation techniques, the initiative will significantly increase yields, reduce crop losses due to disease, and ultimately raise incomes for rural communities. The lab is also expected to play a role in encouraging youth engagement in agriculture by showcasing the potential of modern, science-based farming.
