Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is actively pursuing economic recovery following its 2022 financial crisis. As a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, agriculture holds a rich history and significant importance.
In addition to its internationally renowned tea plantations, Sri Lanka also produces a wide range of fruit and vegetables, including citrus (400,000 tonnes annually), mangoes (approximately 500,000 tonnes annually), bananas and papayas (each around 75,000 tonnes annually), and coconuts. Over 90 per cent of the produce is exported to the Middle East and Europe with at least one week or even longer shipping time.
Moreover, thriving tourism and favourable weather conditions have fostered an ornamental industry, supplying both local and international markets. Agriculture currently accounts for nearly 30 per cent of Sri Lanka’s workforce. Its prosperity, benefiting from an inclusive and sustainable industry, would lead to the economic well-being for the people and the country.
However, post-harvest loss remains a significant challenge to exporters, with 20-30 per cent of vegetables and 15-20 per cent of fruit wasted during storage and transportation. According to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), poor packaging is the primary factor contributing to post-harvest loss, resulting in rejections from overseas buyers.
Lytone Enterprise, a Taiwan-based ag-supplier, has extensive experience in dealing with post-harvest loss and recently cooperated with Nagurum Company to address these demands.
By implementing the proprietary LytoFresh solution, including food grade products addressing early ripening, microbial contamination, and ethylene overdose, the partners were able resolve the quality issues of mango, cassavas, strawberries, papayas, and coconuts. The LytoFresh portfolio provides holistic quality support and enhances the colouration and quality upon harvest and post-harvest. For ornamentals, both cut flowers and cut foliage benefit from LytoFresh through shelf-life extension which exceeded buyers’ expectation.
LytoFresh has also be applied to imported agricultural products including fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Nagurum’s director, Kapila Wijekoon, stated, “LytoFresh series is a globally recognised post-harvest solution. We are honoured to introduce these products to help reduce post-harvest losses in Sri Lanka. By working hand-in-hand with key partners across the agricultural value chain and local farmers, we aim to resolve long-standing quality issues. We are confident LytoFresh solutions will significantly reduce claims on exported fresh produce and ornamentals, translating into substantial export revenue for our country”.
The LytoFresh series is currently undergoing extensive trials in Sri Lanka. Moving forward, Lytone aims to develop localised, practical, and simplified solutions tailored to the specific needs of the agricultural supply chain. Lytone warmly welcomes collaboration and in-depth discussions in support of Sri Lanka in earning foreign exchange, creating employment opportunities, and improving incomes for its people. For details please contact:
Nagurum Company
Director: Kapila Wijekoon
Mobile: 0770086661
Email: kapila@nagurum.lk
Tel: +94112559263
Fax: +94112559264
