Sri Lanka has been renowned for spices and beverage crops for centuries, but structured national efforts to develop them began in the 1950s. The first major push came in 1959 with coffee cultivation, followed by cocoa and other “minor export crops” in the 1960s and 70s as alternatives to uneconomic tea lands. With international support, research programs and crop diversification projects were launched, laying the foundation for a dedicated institution.

In 1972, the Department of Minor Export Crops was created, focusing on research, development, and farmer support. By 1992, it was formally established as the Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) through an Act of Parliament, recognizing its growing role in boosting export earnings and supporting rural livelihoods.

Today, the DEA operates research stations across the island, provides technical guidance, promotes Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety standards, and supports farmers through schemes and training. Its mission remains clear: to increase production, improve quality, and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the global spice and export crop market while uplifting rural communities.