• Department of Export Agriculture
    Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation

Economics Research Unit

Head / Director (Regulation) P.R. Idamekorala, MSc in Tropical Soil Management
Email: prasadri@yahoo.com
Assistant Director (Research) Mrs. W.G.G. Chathurika, B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture
Assistant Director (Research) Mrs. G.A.M.S.S. Gunarathne, M.Sc in Organic Management, B.Sc (Hons) Agri. Tech & Management
Development Officer Mrs. K.G.A.K. Wijesooriya, B.A
Development Officer Mrs. B.G.D. Priyangika, B.A
Research & Development Assistant Mr. G.G.A. Bandara, B.A
Development Officer Mr. A.J.M. Fahim, B.Com
Development Officer Mrs. R.M.D.K. Rajapaksha, B.A
Development Officer Mrs. G.G.N.S. Gamage, M.A in Economics, B.A
Research & Development Assistant Mrs. G.D.G. Priyanthi Dolapihilla, B.A
Development Officer Mrs. R. Chamani Padmasiri, M.Phil in Economics, B.A

Overview

The Economics Research Unit (ERU) of the Department of Export Agriculture is established to conduct studies on socio-economic aspects of Export Agricultural Crops (EACs) in order to identify sector-specific issues and provide effective, practical solutions.

The unit supports the preparation of sound farm management strategies and assists in formulating efficient resource allocation methods. ERU also collects, maintains, and analyzes statistical data related to EAC cultivation, production, and marketing.

Services

ERU provides a wide range of services related to economic and marketing aspects of Export Agricultural Crops:

  • Collection and compilation of weekly farm-gate prices of EACs from producing districts and publication of summaries through the DEA website and media
  • Collection of data and preparation of crop forecast reports on Export Agricultural Crops
  • Maintenance and dissemination of statistical data on cultivation, production, and marketing of EACs
  • Providing economic and market-related information to the public and government institutions
  • Analysis and reporting of current local and global market trends related to Export Agricultural Crops

On-going Research Programs

  • Study on “Comparison of total ecosystem benefits of pepper monocropping with intercropping and mixed cropping systems, with special reference to Kandyan Home Gardens”
  • Study on “Identification of the feasibility of expanding vanilla cultivation in the Central Province of Sri Lanka”