Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a commonly cultivated vegetable in Sri Lanka for cooking and salad use, with released varieties listed by the Department of Agriculture (HORDI). Cultivation is described as suitable year-round in the wet zone and seasonally in the dry zone during the Maha season. UN Comtrade (via WITS) indicates Sri Lanka is not a major trader in fresh cucumbers/gherkins (HS 070700), with only small and variable export records and negligible import records in recent years. For exports of vegetables, Sri Lanka’s National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS) describes an inspection/testing workflow and issuance of a phytosanitary certificate aligned to the IPPC model.
Market RoleDomestic production market with minor export activity; negligible recorded imports
Domestic RolePopular domestic vegetable (cooking-type and salad-type) cultivated across suitable agro-climatic zones
SeasonalityWet zone cultivation is described as suitable year-round; dry zone cultivation is described as suitable in the Maha season.
Specification
Secondary Variety- HORDI Green
- HORDI White
- Kalpitiya white
- Champion
- Gannoruwa white
- LY 58
Physical Attributes- Quality is commonly assessed by uniform shape, firmness, and dark green skin color; freedom from defects, decay, and yellowing is also emphasized in postharvest guidance.
Supply Chain
Temperature- Optimum storage temperature guidance: 10–12.5°C; temperatures below 10°C can cause chilling injury after short exposure (depending on temperature and cultivar).
- Optimum relative humidity guidance: ~95% to reduce shriveling risk.
Atmosphere Control- Highly sensitive to exogenous ethylene; exposure during distribution can accelerate yellowing and decay.
Shelf Life- Storage is generally less than 14 days because visual and sensory quality deteriorate rapidly; chilling injury risk increases when held below recommended temperature ranges.
Risks
Phytosanitary HighCucurbits exported from Sri Lanka can face stringent quarantine requirements because Zeugodacus cucurbitae (melon fly) is recorded as present in Sri Lanka and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is listed as a major host; importing countries may require specific treatments, additional declarations, or may reject consignments if pest risk conditions are not met.Align production and packing controls to the destination’s import conditions, implement field monitoring and control for melon fly risk, and use NPQS inspection/testing to support phytosanitary certification (including treatments and additional declarations where required).
Regulatory Compliance MediumExport certification and border processes are document- and inspection-driven; missing or inconsistent documentation and unmet import conditions can cause delays, detention, re-export, or destruction decisions at quarantine control points.Run a pre-shipment document and condition checklist against destination requirements and NPQS procedures, and ensure inspection/testing timelines are scheduled before dispatch.
Logistics MediumFresh cucumbers have limited storage life and are sensitive to chilling injury below recommended temperature ranges and to ethylene exposure; temperature or handling breaks can rapidly degrade appearance and shelf life, increasing rejection and waste risk.Maintain temperature and humidity discipline through packing, staging, and transport (including avoiding ethylene-producing commodities during storage/transport) and minimize time to market.
FAQ
Which cucumber varieties are officially released in Sri Lanka?The Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture (HORDI) lists released cucumber varieties including HORDI Green, HORDI White, Kalpitiya white, Champion, Gannoruwa white, and LY 58.
When is cucumber cultivation suitable across Sri Lanka’s main growing zones?The Department of Agriculture (HORDI) describes cucumber as suitable for year-round cultivation in the wet zone and suitable for cultivation in the dry zone during the Maha season.
What storage conditions help maintain fresh cucumber quality after harvest?UC Davis postharvest guidance indicates an optimum storage temperature of about 10–12.5°C with high relative humidity (around 95%). It also notes cucumbers are chilling-sensitive below 10°C and highly sensitive to ethylene exposure, which can accelerate yellowing and decay.
What is a key export compliance requirement for vegetables shipped from Sri Lanka?Sri Lanka’s National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS) describes obtaining a phytosanitary certificate for exporting plant and plant products, which involves exporter registration and consignment inspection/sampling (and lab testing where required) before certificate issuance in line with IPPC formatting.