Aquaculture & Fisheries

Biography

Biography: Shyamalie D Senadheera

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to explore the current status of the ornamental aquatic plant industry with special reference to identifying the prevailing constraints for its booming and to make recommendations. During the study, numerous propagation techniques and ornamental aquatic plants were observed and identified both at private sector nurseries and the government operated aquatic plant breeding center located in North Western Province. Export data were obtained from export development board and Sri Lanka customs while the legislations pertaining to export trade were obtained from the departments of Wildlife and Forestry. The study revealed that Sri Lanka still experiences a shortage of stocks for export purposes despite having an increasing demand in the world trade. Further, international demand for aquatic plants has shown a steady increase during past several years. Despite, Europe being the strongest market for aquatic plants, currently a growth in demand has been experienced in the US market with the increasing number of species, varieties and quality. According to trade statistics, 53,830 kg of aquatic ornamental plants valued at 428663 US$ were exported to twenty countries during the period from January 2013 to August 2014. Being the major attractive species, Cryptocoryne, Anubias, Echinodorous, Aponogeton, Hygrophyla, Bacopa, Myriophyllum, Lagenandra play a vital role among exports. During the study, numerous constraints were found to exist. In addressing prevailing constraints, it is recommended to launch subsidiary schemes by the government for the private sector growers/exporters while providing them with required technical knowhow to boon this industry of economic importance.