Sri Lanka has opened its first export-oriented potato chip/French Fries processing factory in the town of Bandarawela. The factory, which is located in the Kahattewela area, is owned and operated by the Kahattewela Young Farmer Company.
The factory was built with the support of the Small-scale Agribusiness Participation Program (SAPP) of the Ministry of Agriculture. The SAPP provided a grant of Rs. 20 million to the Kahattewela Young Farmer Company, and the company also contributed Rs. 10 million to the project.
The factory has the capacity to produce 1,000 kilograms of potato chips per day. The chips will be sold both locally and exported to foreign markets. The factory is expected to create employment for 100 people, including 60 women.
The opening of the factory is a major boost for the potato chip industry in Sri Lanka. Currently, Sri Lanka imports around Rs. 21 billion worth of potato chips each year. The Kahattewela Young Farmer Company hopes to capture a significant share of this market with its locally produced potato chips.
The factory is also expected to boost potato cultivation in the Kahattewela area. The company has already contracted with 180 potato farmers to supply potatoes to the factory. This will provide a guaranteed market for the farmers’ produce and help to improve their incomes.
The opening of the Kahattewela potato chip factory is a positive development for the Sri Lankan economy. It will create jobs, boost exports, and help to reduce the country’s reliance on imported food products.
Here are some additional details about the factory:
- The factory is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to produce high-quality potato chips.
- The chips will be made from locally grown potatoes, which will ensure that they are fresh and flavorful.
- The factory will use environmentally friendly practices, such as water recycling and waste disposal.
- The factory is expected to generate revenue of Rs. 500 million per year.
The Kahattewela potato chip factory is a shining example of what can be achieved when the government and private sector work together to support the development of the agricultural sector. The factory is expected to have a major positive impact on the economy of Bandarawela and the wider region.
