By Thushantha Jayatilaka
Sri Lanka Tea production is expected to break the all time record for the highest ever tea production in 2010 surpassing the previous of 318 million kilos.
The current figure as at November 2010 is 302.5 million kilos and with the December harvest added, the production figures are expected to break the current record. The average price per kilo was Rs 370.61 which is a record price compared with the previous high of Rs 360.45 in 2009.
The weather was favourable last year with fewer labour disputes resulting in the tremendous growth in the industry. The Sri Lanka Tea Board hopes with the correct weather patterns and fewer disruptions the industry can achieve a bumper harvest this year.
However close rivals Kenya has surpassed Sri Lanka in terms of tea production, owing to expanding hectarage and improved production methods.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Plantations has implemented new plans to replant trees and new planting in order to increase supply in the future Hasitha Alwis Director Promotions Sri Lanka Tea Board told DM Business, "The government has increased concessions to replant and we hope the regional plantation companies and tea small holders will follow suit".
Furthermore the tea board is emphasizing on value addition of tea such as tea bags, flavoured tea and ready to drink tea in order for Sri Lankan tea to fetch a higher price in the international market. Currently international manufacturers buy in bulk and add value to the tea.
It is imperative for the future of Sri Lanka to add value to tea under our own brand names than exporting in bulk form. This is required more than before because with escalating production cost and changing consumer preferences the best alternative is to add value to our production. Industry experts state that value addition can increase price by as much as 250%.
source - www.dailymirror.lk
No comments:
Post a Comment