Sustainable Development and Wildlife Deputy Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena said the ministry hopes to provide loans at a low interest rate for those willing to enter this field.

She made this observation at a discussion with members of the committee appointed by Sustainable Development and Wildlife Minister Gamini Jayawickrema Perera to take decisions to widen the floriculture industry to meet international market opportunities.

The introduction of the new flora and fauna varieties, providing land for those willing to do business and providing training opportunities for them through the Department of Botanical Gardens are among the main suggestions proposed by the committee members.

The annual foreign exchange earnings from flora exports is US$ 15 million and the country was able to earn US$ 18 million in foreign exchange by exporting floriculture products in 2014 and around US$ 17 million in 2015.

Sri Lanka exports Anthuriums, orchids, roses and some ornamental plants mainly to Netherlands and also export some quantities to Japan and the Middle East.