Carrots and turnips market in Sri Lanka

Earlier Report Observations

Production of fresh carrots and turnips in Sri Lanka increased from 71 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of over 95 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was driven by significant investments in domestic agriculture. The Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock began scientific carrot cultivation on its farms to support national food security, while private companies like Cargills launched large-scale modernization projects that connected thousands of farmers to better practices and markets.

Output fell sharply to 77 thousand tons in 2022 after heavy rainfall damaged crops and severely disrupted supply chains, causing shortages and high retail prices. The downturn continued in 2023, with production dropping to 65 thousand tons. During this period, the government adjusted import duties on carrots and focused on policy measures to strengthen domestic wholesale markets and introduce logistical improvements like collapsible boxes to reduce transport waste.

Production carrots and turnips in Sri Lanka

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

World map of production of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

Carrot and turnip production in Sri Lanka has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 90.2 thousand tons of carrots and turnips, representing an 11.7% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 26%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 71.1 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 0.8% decrease, while the most significant increase was in 2019 at 13.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sri Lanka in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports carrots and turnips from Sri Lanka

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, while the maximum was reached in 2018, representing a 138-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Sri Lanka's carrot and turnip exports totaled 4.4 tons, marking a 44.5% decrease from the previous year. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 142.2 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 94.5% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 at 13,684.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sri Lanka in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates served as the primary destination for Sri Lanka's carrot and turnip exports, accounting for 75.4% of total export flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sri Lanka in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market demonstrated volatility throughout the observed period. Exports reached their highest point in 2018 and fell to their lowest in 2020, showing a 25-fold amplitude between these years. In 2020, Sri Lanka exported carrots and turnips worth 3,934 US dollars, representing a sharp 83.3% reduction compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 98,133 US dollars, with the largest increase occurring that same year at 1,354.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sri Lanka in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of carrot and turnip exports in value terms was primarily shaped by Maldives and the United Arab Emirates, which together accounted for 82.6% of total export flows. Other markets formed a long tail with smaller contributions.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sri Lanka in value, 2017-2020

Imports carrots and turnips to Sri Lanka

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, showing a 109-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Sri Lanka imported 4.8 tons of carrots and turnips, marking a steep 331.1% increase from the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.1 tons, while the maximum was in 2018 at 121.8 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 99.1% decrease, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 at 742.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sri Lanka in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Oman dominated Sri Lanka's carrot and turnip import structure in kind, accounting for 79.7% of total import flows. Other markets held comparatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sri Lanka in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

After a two-year decline, Sri Lanka's carrot and turnip import volume increased in 2020. Imports totaled 16,799 US dollars that year, reflecting an abrupt 56.5% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 83%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 44.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10,735 US dollars, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 68.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sri Lanka in value, 2017-2020, $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Australia and Oman remained the main suppliers of carrots and turnips to Sri Lanka in value terms, with a combined share of 83.8% of total imports. The remainder was fragmented across other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sri Lanka in value, 2017-2020