Sri Lanka consumes an estimated 7,000 tonnes of turmeric annually, and nearly 5,000 tonnes were imported from India until COVID-19 struck the country. Sri Lanka police on Sunday seized 20,000 kg of turmeric smuggled by sea, reportedly from India, amid a shortage persisting since Sri Lanka banned imports to support local farmers in the pandemic year. The coronavirus pandemic, which hit Sri Lanka in March, has severely impacted its economy, prompting the government to restrict imports and pledge greater support to local farmers. Sri Lanka consumes an estimated 7,000 tonnes of turmeric annually – the ingredient is widely used across different cuisines in the island nation – and nearly 5,000 tonnes were imported from India until COVID-19 struck the country. The consignment is yet to be cleared for sale in the local wholesale and retail markets, sources said.

Source: The Hindu December 27, 2020 12:13 UTC