Expands the long-running programme in collaboration with the Coconut Cultivation Board
The Nestlé Coconut Development Plan was expanded recently, benefiting 500 rural families in the Northern Province. Conducted for the eighth year running in collaboration with the Coconut Cultivation Board of Sri Lanka (CCB), the programme has supported approximately 5,000 home-growers with hybrid coconut plantlets and other resources with the ambition of expanding coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka. This programme has also taken measures to train beneficiaries on best practices of coconut cultivation by conducting on-ground training programmes and providing fertilizer for cultivation.
Sharing his thoughts on this public-private partnership, Regional Manager – Vavuniya of the Coconut Cultivation Board, Mr. Manjula Hewamalawi said “I am filled with immense pride and gratitude as we expand the Nestlé Coconut Development Plan even further to support more rural families. Over the years, this worthy initiative has been instrumental in encouraging coconut cultivation in non-traditional coconut growing areas and has served as a platform for sharing knowledge, which has helped improve cultivation techniques, address challenges, and explore new avenues for coconut cultivation.”
“Our long-running coconut development programme is a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka. As the largest exporter of Coconut Milk Powder in the country, I am proud to be able to support home growers in different parts of the country, in addition to the thousands of farmers we procure from. Together with the CCB and our Nestlé Coconut Development Plan families, we will continue to unlock the true potential of this invaluable crop by adopting best practices, including regenerative agricultural practices which are also good for the planet. We take great pride in this programme, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency in coconut cultivation, whilst uplifting livelihoods and fostering a prosperous future for the local coconut industry and the economy” said Mr. Bernie Stefan, Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka.
Nestlé has operated in Sri Lanka for over 115 years. The company supports the livelihoods of more than 8,000 medium and large-scale coconut farmers through procurement, in addition to its Coconut Development Plan beneficiaries, contributing billions to the local coconut industry.
Image 1Caption (from left to right)
Mr. Manjula Hewamalawi (Regional Manager – Vavuniya, Coconut Cultivation Board), Mr. Bernie Stefan (Managing Director, Nestle Lanka), Mr. Ruwan Welikala (Director – Corporate Affairs and Communications, Nestle Lanka) handing over a coconut plantlet to Nestle Coconut Development Plan beneficiary.
Image 2: Mr. Ruwan Welikala (Director – Corporate Affairs & Communications, Nestlé Lanka) and Mr. Bernie Stefan (Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka) planting a coconut plantlet.
