The programme provided an opportunity to engage with local farmers, share practical knowledge about international agricultural markets, and explain the quality standards required for exporting Sri Lankan produce.
As a company committed to connecting Sri Lankan agriculture with international buyers, Solax Agro Foods highlighted the importance of quality-focused cultivation, reliable supply and long-term cooperation between farmers and exporters.
Connecting Local Farmers With International Export Markets
Established in 2020, Solax Agro Foods (Pvt) Ltd specializes in sourcing and exporting Sri Lankan agricultural products to international markets.
The company works with local farmers and agricultural suppliers to source fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy greens and root crops for overseas customers.
During the awareness programme, representatives of Solax Agro Foods discussed how farmers can improve their opportunities to supply export-oriented agricultural products.
Key discussion topics included:
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Agricultural products currently required for export.
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International market demand and buyer expectations.
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Export-quality grading and product selection.
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Harvesting maturity and post-harvest handling.
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Changes in agricultural prices and market demand.
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Opportunities for regular supply partnerships.
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Future opportunities in value-added agricultural products.
Agricultural Products Currently Sourced by Solax Agro Foods
Solax Agro Foods shared information about several agricultural products currently purchased for export operations.
The company's key sourcing priorities include:
1. Passion Fruit – Horana Gold Variety
Passion fruit is an important product in the company's current purchasing programme, with approximately 100–200 kg sourced per week, depending on export requirements.
The preferred variety is Horana Gold. For the company's current purchasing specification, fruits should have approximately 40% yellow skin coloration at the required harvesting stage.
Fruits should also be healthy, clean and free from serious physical damage or decay.
2. TJC Mangoes
The company purchases TJC mangoes that meet specific maturity, size and appearance requirements.
The purchasing specifications discussed included:
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Completion of the required 65-day fruit development period.
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Individual fruit weight above 450 grams.
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Clean skin without visible spots or blemishes.
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Freedom from significant insect damage, bruising and decay.
Final acceptance remains subject to the requirements of individual export orders.
3. Scotch Bonnet Chilli (Nai Miris)
Solax Agro Foods sources large, dark-green Scotch Bonnet chillies suitable for export.
The preferred chillies should have a consistent dark-green appearance, good size, freshness and freedom from visible damage or disease.
4. Other Priority Agricultural Products
Additional products currently purchased include:
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Salad Cucumber
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Purple Sweet Potato
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Fresh Papaya
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Tapioca (Cassava)
Product quantities and specifications depend on overseas customer requirements and market conditions.
Understanding Export Quality Standards
One of the main objectives of the programme was to explain the difference between agricultural products intended for ordinary local markets and products selected for international export.
Export-quality produce must satisfy specific buyer requirements relating to size, maturity, freshness, appearance, packaging and food safety.
Farmers were encouraged to focus on good agricultural practices, proper harvesting methods, careful handling, appropriate sorting and the prevention of physical damage.
Maintaining consistent product quality is particularly important when supplying overseas importers, supermarkets, wholesalers and food distributors.
International Markets for Sri Lankan Agricultural Products
Solax Agro Foods connects Sri Lankan agricultural producers with international markets, including destinations such as the Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other overseas markets.
Demand for particular agricultural products varies according to the destination country, consumer preferences, seasonal availability, import requirements and buyer specifications.
The awareness programme emphasized the importance of producing crops based on actual export requirements rather than relying only on general market assumptions.
Current Export Operations: Approximately 1–3 Metric Tons Weekly
Solax Agro Foods currently exports approximately 1–3 metric tons of agricultural produce per week, equivalent to 1,000–3,000 kilograms.
These shipments represent the company's ongoing involvement in connecting Sri Lankan agricultural production with international buyers.
The programme also provided an opportunity to explain the processes involved in preparing agricultural products for export, including sourcing, grading, packing, documentation and international cargo arrangements.
[INSERT PHOTO: Solax Agro Foods Export Shipment Preparation]
[INSERT PHOTO: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Packed for International Export]
[INSERT PHOTO: Solax Agro Foods Cargo Shipment]
Why Agricultural Export Prices Change
Another important topic discussed during the programme was the fluctuation of agricultural purchasing prices.
Solax Agro Foods explained that purchasing prices are not permanently fixed and may change depending on several factors:
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Local market prices and seasonal availability.
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International buyer demand.
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Product quality, size and grading requirements.
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Available supply quantities.
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Air freight and other logistics expenses.
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Export destination and customer requirements.
Farmers were encouraged to understand these market conditions and maintain communication with buyers regarding current purchasing specifications and prices.
Exploring Future Opportunities in Value-Added Agricultural Products
In addition to fresh produce exports, Solax Agro Foods is exploring opportunities to develop value-added agricultural products.
The company is currently studying potential international markets, product requirements and commercial opportunities for selected processed agricultural products.
Potential areas of interest include fruit pulp, dried tropical fruits, processed vegetables and other agricultural products with export potential.
These initiatives remain under evaluation and may create additional sourcing opportunities for Sri Lankan farmers in the future.
Strengthening Long-Term Relationships With Local Farmers
Solax Agro Foods believes that reliable agricultural exports depend on strong cooperation between farmers, suppliers, exporters and international buyers.
Through participation in agricultural awareness programmes, the company aims to encourage quality-oriented farming, improve understanding of export requirements and develop sustainable sourcing relationships.
The Udubaddawa programme represented an opportunity to exchange knowledge with local agricultural producers and discuss the practical requirements of international trade.
Our Commitment to Sri Lankan Agriculture
Solax Agro Foods (Pvt) Ltd remains committed to supporting Sri Lankan agricultural exports by sourcing quality produce, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and developing opportunities in international markets.
The company welcomes enquiries from farmers, agricultural suppliers, farmer organizations and overseas buyers interested in establishing business relationships.
Together, we can connect Sri Lankan harvests with opportunities beyond our borders.
Contact Solax Agro Foods (Pvt) Ltd
