The fragmentation and sale of coconut lands had become a serious threat to the coconut industry and it had been estimated that approximately 46 coconut trees were lost per an acre under fragmentation, Chief Government Whip Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunwardena told parliament on Thursday.

Minister Gunawardena was answering a question raised by JVP MP Jinadasa Kitulagoda on behalf of the Minister of Plantation Industries.

A formal survey has not been carried out on the extent of coconut lands lost due to fragmentation. However, the survey reports in the year 2002 reveal that the extent of coconut lands under fragmentation is 4000 acres per annum, the answer tabled by Minister Gunawardena said.

After the year 2005, the fragmentation of coconut lands of more than 10 acres was reduced to a great extent subsequent to the establishment of tea, rubber and coconut estates (control of fragmentation) board.

The existing laws are adequate to check this threat, he said, adding that amendments had been proposed to further strengthen the existing laws. Action had been taken to make amendments to the Tea, Rubber and Coconut estates Control of Fragmentation act No. 20 of 2005. It was proposed to limit the size of the lands allowed to block out, to 5 acres (2 hectares). If for a special reason some lands were to be fragmented, a tax of Rs, 300,000 would be levied for a plot of 2 hectares. This tax was to be invested in expanding the area of coconut lands by replanting.