The absence of a policy direction on whether Sri Lanka should seek a Geographical Indication (GI) for Ceylon Pepper on a national basis or on a region-specific basis has stalled the country’s GI application process for pepper.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business , Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) Director General Damayanthi Samarasinghe stated that preliminary steps towards obtaining GI status for Ceylon Pepper had commenced several years ago, with initial discussions having been initiated in that regard.
She pointed out that the distinguishing feature highlighted in Ceylon Pepper was its high concentration of chemical compounds, particularly its elevated piperine content.
Accordingly, a study had been conducted at the Matale research centre to examine the chemical composition of Ceylon Pepper on a location-wise basis.
“These concentrations of chemicals we are looking at do not exist everywhere in Sri Lanka. So there were discussions as to whether applying for a GI on a national basis would prove disadvantageous for Sri Lanka. As a result of these discussions, the process did not move forward,” she stated.
Samarasinghe further revealed that the authorities had so far been unable to arrive at a final decision regarding the direction the country should adopt in relation to the GI application process for Ceylon Pepper.
She said that discussions were continuing at the departmental level on how to proceed with the matter and that a final policy decision was yet to be made.
Ceylon Pepper is widely favoured in international markets due to its high piperine content, the alkaloid responsible for its distinctive pungency. As a result, Ceylon Pepper commands a premium price in the global spice market.
According to the DEA, pepper in Sri Lanka is primarily cultivated in the low-country and mid-country wet and intermediate agro-climatic zones. The total extent of pepper cultivation in the country is approximately 42,989 hectares, with Matale, Kandy, Kegalle, Badulla, Ratnapura, Monaragala, and Kurunegala identified as the major cultivating districts.
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