As a solution to the shortage of coconuts in the market, the government has decided to import coconut kernels, coconut milk, coconut milk powder and desiccated coconut equivalent to 200 million coconuts required for the export industries. 21 companies have been granted permission for this, says Shantha Ranatunga, Chairman of the Coconut Development Authority.
The coconuts will arrive in the country by April, and with this, the local coconuts that have been used for export industries so far will be able to be used for the consumption of the people, he says.