The Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) is the main government institution that works under the scope of the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries. Established in 1972, the DEA plays a pivotal role in the Research and Development of a diverse range of Export Agricultural Crops (EAC) namely Black Pepper, Cardamom, Clove, Nutmeg, Coffee, Cocoa, Vanilla, Betel, Citronella, Lemongrass, Ginger, Turmeric, Goraka and Arecanut using productivity, production and quality improvement.
The DEA is driven by a clear vision of achieving “Excellence in Exports of Spices and Allied Products.” The Research and Development divisions of the Department of Export Agriculture were established alongside the department’s establishment in 1972. The Development Division has expanded its operations to Seventeen key districts, focusing on the cultivation of EACs. The department’s first research station was set up in Matale and now it has evolved into the Central Research Station. Additionally, sub research stations were established in Narammala, Walpita, Kundasale, Delpitiya and Nilambe to enhance the department’s research capabilities. Identifying the importance of the scientific approach to agriculture economics, a separate unit was established for Economic Research activities related to EACs.
Both Research and Development divisions are responsible for providing farmers with the necessary technical knowledge and support to adopt modern, sustainable agricultural practices for EACs through training programs, workshops, TV and radio programs and field demonstrations. The department actively promoted Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for EACs emphasizing the importance of implementing food safety standards within the domestic production system which complies with the global export market.
With the aim of providing a live experience of EACs to both local and foreign tourists, the DEA recently established the National Spice Garden in Matale, the only national spice garden in Sri Lanka.
Currently, a dedicated team of officers belonging to Sri Lanka Scientific Service are working permanently within the department together with officers belonging to other services contributing in the economic development of Sri Lanka, making it an indispensable institution for the growth of the nation’s agricultural exports.