This document discusses recent advancements in underutilized fruit crops in Sri Lanka. It notes that Sri Lanka has over 60 varieties of underutilized fruits that have potential but are currently under-exploited. These include katuanoda, madan, lavalu, belli, and nelli. There have been recent trends in processing underutilized fruits into products like jam, candy, juice, syrup, beverages, chutney, sauce, pickle, and dehydrated and canned versions. Conservation strategies are also discussed like identification, research, awareness campaigns. Developing reliable supply and better marketing is key to utilizing the market potential of these underutilized Sri Lankan fruits.

1. Recent advancements in
underutilized fruit industry in
Sri Lanka
Fruit Crops and Cut Flower Production
Name- K.G.R.Madubashini
B.I.S.Agriculture
O.U.S.L
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2. Content
• Introduction
• What are underutilized crops
• The potential role of underutilized plant species
• In Sri Lanka
• Underutilized fruit -crops in Sri Lanka
• Recent trends in Underutilized fruit and vegetable
processing
• Conservation strategy
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3. Content
• Underutilized fruit processing enterprises
• Summary
• References
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4. Introduction
• Underutilized plant species have local or regional
importance, but generally lack national recognition
and appreciation. the under-utilized crops are the
plant species that are traditionally used for their food,
fiber, fodder, oil or medicinal properties. However,
those species have under-exploited potential to ensure
food security, nutrition, health, income generation and
environmental services.
Source-Subasinghe S (2014). Cultivation of medicinal fruits, trees.
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5. What are underutilized crops
• The under-utilized crops are the plant species that are
traditionally used for their food, fiber, fodder, oil or
medicinal properties. However, those species have
under-exploited potential to ensure food security,
nutrition, health, income generation and
environmental services.
Source-http://wildlifeofhawaii.com
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6. The potential role of underutilized
plant species
• The potential role of underutilized plant species to
contribute to global food security and nutrition.
• Buffering against the consequences of climate
change and reductions in agricultural biodiversity.
• Source- http://i.ndtvimg.com/mt/cooks/
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7. In Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka has over 60 varieties of underutilized fruit
crops.
• A few districts lead the production of fruits at present
in Sri Lanka. (North and the East and these districts
has much untapped potential to growth fruit ).
• The Ministry plans to increase the production of fruits
over the years and also increase domestic value
addition by establishing fruit processing units.
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8. Underutilized fruit -crops in Sri
Lanka
Katuanoda (Annona muricata)
https://upload.wikimedia.org
Madan (Syzigium cumini)
https://pixabay.com/
Lavalu (Pouteria
campechiana)
http://caribfruits.cirad.fr/var/c
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9. Underutilized fruit -crops in Sri
Lanka
Beli (Aegle marmelos)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com
Nelli (Emblica officinalis)
http://www.dehlvi.com
Pomegranate (Punica granatum
L.)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/
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10. Recent trends in Underutilized fruit
and vegetable processing
• New products - This has been achieved by new
heating (e.g. UHT, microwave) and freezing
techniques combined with new packaging materials
and technologies (e.g. aseptic, modified atmosphere
packaging).
• Heat processed products - Canned fruits and
vegetables , Fruit juices , Crisps, Glass packed fruits
and vegetables .
Source-http://www.mmtwins
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11. Recent trends in Underutilized fruit
and vegetable processing
• A fresh look at dried fruit - Perceived as a "value-
added" ingredient, dried fruit adds flavor, colour,
texture and diversity with little alteration to an
existing formula .
Source- http://westchestermartialartseastchesterny.com
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12. Major processed products prepared
from Underutilized fruits
Processed Product Fruits
Jam Tamarind, Wood apple
Candy Tamarind , Beli , Guava
Juice/Syrup/ Beverage Nelli , Wood apple ,
Emberella , Tamarind ,
Beli
Chutney Wood apple
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13. Major processed products prepared
from Underutilized fruits
Processed Product Fruits
Sauce Tamarind, Wood apple,
Pomegranate
Pickle Veralu , Lovi , Emberella
, Star fruit
Dehydration Nelli , Jack fruit , Bilin ,
Goraka , Cashew nut
Canning Jack fruit , Wood apple ,
Star fruit , Cashew nut
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14. Conservation strategy
• Identification
• Collecting live samples of neglected and
underutilized crop species found in Sri Lanka
• Research and multiplication for the benefit of future
generation
• Conducting awareness creation and educational
workshops
• Conducting field research and studies
• Facilitate the community contribution for
conservation
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15. Underutilized fruit processing
enterprises
• Identify the market and promote new brands for
underutilized fruit products.
• Take advantage of brand consciousness and diversify
the product palette.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships within the
market chain.
• Improving labor efficiency and use quality packaging
materials.
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16. Summary
• In Sri Lanka potential for cultivating fruits for the
domestic and export markets is high. Despite there
being a demand for Sri Lankan fruits in abroad, the
country faces a serious problem in finding exportable
quality fruits in sufficient quantities. The most of
fruits in Sri Lanka still remain as underutilized stage
and growing in unexploited areas without proper
marketing strategies. Developing the market potential
for underutilized fruits depend on better marketing
and reliable supply of the end product.
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17. References
• Agent (1994). A survey of the market for fruits and vegetables in the
hotel and restaurant industry, Agent’s business production,
processing and marketing information centre, Issue No 19,
Colombo, 25pp
• [2] ChamathkaJayawardena(2013).The Cancer fighting fruit.
Ceylontoday.
• [3] DHEERAJ SINGH*, LOBSANG WANGSHU†, PRAHALA
V.C.(2008). PROCESSING AND MARKETING FEASIBILITY OF
[1] UNDERUTILIZED FRUIT SPECIES OF RAJASTHAN.
Contributed Paper presented at IAMO Forum
• [4] Sector brief Fruits and vegetables (2011). Compiled by the
Ceylon Chamber of commerc
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