Srilanka, Feb. 2 -- A well-planned replanting program is urgently needed to mitigate the adverse impact of the shortfall of coconuts in the country which is threatening the survival of the industry, a crop scientist said.

He said the current crisis in the coconut industry could have been averted had there been a proper plan to support growers and boost the yield of the lucrative crop.

Senior Professor in Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya, Prof. Buddhi Marambe said financial support from the Government is paramount to increase coconut production to at least 4.5 billion annually from the current three billion nuts for which a continuous supply of high quality coconut seedlings is a pre-requisite to make the pro...