Australia and Kahawatte Plantations partner to boost Sri Lanka coffee sector
Kahawatte Plantations PLC (KWPL) and Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) have completed a new coffee processing centre and smallholder farmer network aimed at improving the quality and market opportunities of Sri Lankan coffee.
The initiative marks KWPL’s expansion into specialty coffee alongside its established tea, rubber and cinnamon operations.
The company has already established 40 acres of coffee on its estates and is purchasing coffee from 169 neighbouring smallholder farmers who collectively cultivate about 12.5 acres.
The new processing centre is located at Craighead Estate in Nawalapitiya and is now fully operational. It includes modern equipment such as a disk pulper and washer, African huller, flat-deck grader and gravity separator, as well as a newly constructed 1,000-square-foot drying facility.
The project was highlighted during a visit by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth, MDF Sri Lanka Country Director Maryam Piracha and the MDF team.
The delegation toured KWPL’s award-winning coffee fields and processing facility and discussed sustainable farming practices, improved processing methods and plans to further raise coffee quality through technology.
High Commissioner Duckworth said initiatives of this nature can support local communities, strengthen the coffee industry and contribute to Sri Lanka’s wider economy.
The farmer network has already exceeded its original target of more than 100 growers, supporting 169 smallholder farming families. Farmers have received quality planting materials through the support of the MJF Charitable Foundation, along with technical and agricultural guidance.
KWPL and MDF plan to expand the network to 500 smallholder farmers by 2030.
The partners also aim to export premium green coffee beans to specialty markets, including Australia, while developing locally roasted coffee for premium business and consumer markets in Sri Lanka.
The project is expected to create new opportunities for smallholder farmers and businesses while helping Sri Lankan coffee gain greater recognition in high-value international markets.
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
Source : Island News
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