A state-of-the-art banana tissue culture laboratory has been established in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, offering farmers easier access to high-quality planting materials for the first time.
The facility, located at the North Central Provincial Agriculture Department’s In-Service Training Institute in Maha Illuppallama, was developed with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the South-South Cooperation (SSC) Programme with China.
The new lab is expected to supply disease-free, high-yielding banana plants to farming communities in the North Central, Northern, and North Western Provinces. Until now, growers in these areas had to rely on supplies transported from the south, a process that was both expensive and prone to transport-related losses.
Officials said the lab would significantly reduce these challenges while improving farmers’ access to healthier planting material. “By combining Sri Lanka’s commitment to agricultural development with FAO’s technical expertise and China’s support through South-South Cooperation, we are ensuring that farmers have access to the quality planting material they need to increase productivity and incomes,” FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan, noted at the launch.
FAO has supported the project by financing the procurement of advanced laboratory equipment and chemicals, while also facilitating technical training to ensure smooth operations and adherence to international standards. The training enables staff to deliver high-quality tissue culture plants that meet the growing demand in the region.
Provincial leaders emphasized that the lab is more than just a facility—it is a tool for economic empowerment. “By improving farmers’ access to high-quality planting material, we are empowering our agricultural communities, reducing costs, and paving the way for greater competitiveness in local and international markets,” North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa said.
Banana is one of Sri Lanka’s most widely cultivated fruits, with growing demand both locally and for export. However, farmers have often struggled with pests, diseases, and inconsistent planting material. Experts believe that access to tissue-cultured plants will help overcome these barriers, improve yields, and enhance the overall quality of production.
The initiative also underscores the value of international cooperation in strengthening local agriculture. By leveraging Chinese expertise through the SSC programme and FAO’s technical knowledge, Sri Lanka is investing in a more sustainable, resilient banana industry.
Officials said the facility will directly benefit thousands of farming families, helping them improve incomes while contributing to national food security. The lab is expected to become a model for future agricultural development projects across the country.
