Introduction:
Though our tea industry suffered a serious set-back in 1971 but we could succeed in reversing with the help of the government, foreign assistance and hard work of our planters. It is hoping to increase our production to an average of over 1500 Kg per ha in a few years time. We have undertaken measures to improve our quality of tea by extending the area with new varieties of hybrid clone, modernizing factories and improving infrastructure. We now annually produce 60 million Kg of Tea and we hope to increase our production to 90 million Kg in the next 15 years.
Tea is one of the most important non-alcoholic average drinks worldwide and has been gaining further popularity as an important ‘health drink’ in view of its purported medicinal value. It is served as morning drink for nearly 2/3rd of the world population daily. The Bangladesh tea industry is one of the major sources of income for the national exchequer. Presently, this industry is facing a multitude of problems. Lack of capital and modern machinery, lower market value of made tea in comparison to increasing production cost, lower yield per hectare in comparison to increasing domestic need and lack of modern techniques for measuring quality of tea constitute some of the nagging problems. There is also lack of perennial water source for irrigation during dry season or during prolonged drought. In addition, some owners of the tea gardens are not using Government loans properly. Malnutrition among the children of the labor line, security problems of the executives, deterioration of law and order situation of the tea estates (log stealing, political or outsider influence on their internal arrangements, illegal occupation of land by the outsiders), lack of medical facilities for labor and lack of infrastructure (road, quarter, water supply network etc) are some of the other constraints. For successful tea culture, the above problems facing both the manufacturing and the marketing sector need to be addressed immediately. In Bangladesh , there is thus dire need to focus attention on improvements in the manufacturing sector covering quality of tea, its productivity, and cost of production as well as the marketing system. The following account reviews the present status of the tea industry in Bangladesh and its support requirements in order to compete with other tea producing countries in the international markets, particularly the European Union.
Present Scenario
The scientists also said due to prolonged drought, the capacity of the tea plants to store water had come down to the wilting point and the absence of shady trees was destroying the young leaves of the plants and, in some cases, killing the tea plants. Tea planters said they generally produced 10 percent of the total yearly production within the month of April. But due to lack of rainfall, they have not yet been able to pick tealeaves. In the 1960s and 1970s and towards the end of 1990s, the country's tea industry experienced such a situation due to the prolonged drought. But last year, due to favorable weather and proper rainfall, a record 60 million kg of tea was produced in Bangladesh .
Tea export declines in Bangladesh as tea industry face multifarious problems Bangladesh 's tea industry is facing multifarious problems that resulted in the decline of export earnings from the sector, private news agency UNB. According to statistics, there are 162 tea gardens in the country. Of the total of 114,912 hectares of land in the 162 tea gardens, only 52,201 hectares are now under tea cultivation while the rest remained fallow.
Sources in the Tea Board said tea production is being hampered due to unfavorable weather and lack of proper development and maintenance of the tea gardens. Besides, theft of shade trees, frequent load shedding and rise of production costs have also been hindering production. Tea Board sources said tea export has declined as the production of tea failed to keep pace with the increasing domestic demand. The domestic consumption of tea has been rising 3.5 percent annually against 1.5 percent increase in production.
Production & Investment
PRODUCTION & EXPORT OF TEA PRODUCING COUNTRIES
( Production in m Kg)
| | Production | Export | ||||||||
Sl No | Country | 20001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 |
1. | | 56.82 | 52.64 | 46.19 | 55.82 | 50.52 | 12.92 | 18.10 | 15.18 | 22.23 | 25.15 |
2. | | 853.1 | 846.48 | 824.41 | 874.11 | 810.03 | 179.85 | 204.35 | 189.09 | 207.64 | 200.17 |
3. | | 296.30 | 306.79 | 284.15 | 280.67 | 277.43 | 287.50 | 280.13 | 262.95 | 265.31 | 257.27 |
4. | | 701.70 | 683.32 | 675.87 | 665.03 | 613.37 | 249.67 | 227.66 | 199.61 | 217.43 | 202.46 |
5. | | 161.20 | 157.37 | 161.00 | 166.86 | 153.62 | 99.72 | 105.58 | 97.85 | 67.21 | 66.84 |
6. | | 46.00 | 53.00 | 60.00 | 60.00 | 60.00 | 4.00 | 3.50 | 4.00 | 2.25 | 2.50 |
7. | | 89.81 | 89.31 | 88.51 | 82.61 | 91.21 | 7.60 | 0.70 | 0.83 | 0.75 | 0.58 |
8. | | 142.90 | 130.67 | 170.56 | 177.84 | 139.52 | 48.09 | 42.00 | 30.00 | 27.00 | 24.90 |
9. | | 294.63 | 236.29 | 248.82 | 294.17 | 220.72 | 258.11 | 216.99 | 241.74 | 263.40 | 198.55 |
10. | | 36.77 | 42.11 | 38.47 | 40.36 | 43.93 | 38.26 | 38.44 | 42.73 | 41.01 | 49.22 |
11. | Others | 341.59 | 324.77 | 304.86 | 292.21 | 260.07 | 2.00 | 185.04 | 168.64 | 182.00 | 172.41 |
| Total | 3021.43 | 2922.75 | 2902.84 | 2989.68 | 2735.89 | 1391.94 | 1322.49 | 1252.62 | 1296.46 | 1200.61 |
Source: a) Monthly Statistical Bulletin of BTB b) ITC Report -2002
Tea holds a special place in the agricultural sector if Bangladesh economy. It is a major cash crop well as an important export item, It accounts for about 0.81% of the GDP and employment in the country.
As mentioned earlier domestic consumption of tea in our country has been increasing much faster rate them the rate of increase of our tea production which leads to gradual shrinking of our exportable surplus. To meet this increasing internal demand and to export some tea to earn foreign exchange maintaining at least 60:40 rate we will have to take effective to increase tea production. Rate of increasing of Production of tea in Bangladesh is very low due to various arising out of technical, financial and management problems. Effective research needs to be conducted with a view to raising productivity of our tea and improving its quality .A strategic research plan to be formulated with comprehensive programs for all round development of the tea industry.
Tea Marketing:
Marketing system of Bangladesh tea is defined as the process of manufacture tea in bulk or packed from tea estates to the buyers at Chittagong Auction or al estates form levels form where teas are sold either directly to overseas buyers or internal traders. Tea Auction is held every Tuesday al Chittagong, a major port with sufficient warehouses and port facilities and well connected by road railways and air link. Tea marketing procedures in Bangladesh .
The marketing of tea in Bangladesh can be divided into two segments. They are:
a) Internal marketing b) External marketing
Internal market:
Internal market deals in wholesale and retail business of tea for internal consumption in the country. In this case wholesale retail and blending licenses are to be obtained from Bangladesh Tea Board . Here teas are sold under ex-garden sale and through auction.
i) Ex-Garden Sale: Sales by the producers directly from the estates to internal buyers with prior approval from Bangladesh tea board.
ii) Auction: Local traders having Bidder ship license from Bangladesh Tea board can purchase tea from Chittagang auction in internal account to sale in the internal market
Major Tea Exporter
A Kabir Ltd. | Azad Tea Exporters |
304/A, Sheikh Mujib Road, Dewanhat, Tel : 880-31-711806-7 E-mail : ak@spnetctg.com | 1424.Aturedipo. P.o Amin jute Mills Tel : 880-31-682669. 685195 Fax : 880-31-685195, 682849 E-miail: azadam@bttb.net.bd |
Agranee Tea Trders Ltd. | Bangladesh Commodities Ltd. |
Commercial Tea Traders Ltd. | Bangladesh Commodities ltd. |
Commercial Court 95. Agrabad C/A, Tel : 880-31-721523,720292,725722,501991-2 Fax : 880-31-710066, 7100544 E-mail: agranee@gononet.com | 52/1, H.H. Building (1st floor), Tel: 880-2-8352110, 8311720, Fax: 880-2-9334768. Fax: 880-2-9334768. E-mail:planter@bdlink.com. |
Deundi Tea Co. Ltd | Duncan Brothers (BD) Ltd. |
Mir. 304/A, Sk. mujib Road, Dewanhat, Tel: 880-31-711527 , 718394 Fax: 880-31-710507 E-mail: deundi@abnlbd.com. | ispahani Building (1st floor) Sk.Mujib Road, Agrabad C/A, Tel :880-31-716136, 714882 Fax :880-31-713729 E-mail :duncan@ctg-bd.net |
Elite International Ltd. | Global Super Star (Pvt.) Ltd. |
Elite house” G.P.O Box no –395 Tel: 880-31-654022-24 Eax: 880-31-650157, 654539 E-mail:elite@abunetbd com. elite@spnetctg .com | 5.M,M, Ali road Lalkhan BBazar Tel: 880-31-632061, 630288, 634360, 610339, Fax :880-31-622242 E-mail :gss@spnetctg.com. Cabl ; superstar |
Haji Ahmed Brothers | H. R. C. Syndicate Ltd. |
177 , Khatungonj, G.P.O Box No –255 Tel: 880-31-682930, 682931, 682674 Fax: 880-31-610201,681608 Email:aghahab@spnetctg,com,habagha@globalctg.net | 2/F, H.R.C. Bhaban. 64-66 Agrabad C/A Tel: 880-31-710320-4, 726245 Fax ; 880-31-710125, 711264 Email:hrc@spctnet.com. |
James Finlay Limited | Jilani Tea House Ltd. |
Finlay House” Agrabad , Tel: 880-31-716321-2 Fax: 880-31 –710006, 710207 Email : finlaybd@spnetctg.com, | 1138, Tel: 880-31-682642, 682715, Fax: 880-31682824, 6828853 Email:jilani@bttb.net.bd. |
Kedarpur Tea Co. Ltd. | Lever Brothers Bangladesh Ltd. |
House #101, Block-A, Dhaka- Cant, Tel: 880-2-8823721, 9884804 Fax: 880-2-8313621 | 51, Kalurahat Heavy Industrial Area P.O. Box –125, Tel: 880-31-670500(427) Fax: 880-31-670776, 670107 E-mail:muslimuddin@unilever.com. |
M. M. Ispahani Ltd. | Monir Shah & Sons (Lvt) Ltd. |
Agrabad C/A, Tel: 880-31-716153-6.723619 Fax:: 880-31-710471 Email:teatrade@spnetctg.com | P.O. Amin jute mills Chittagong-4211. Tel: 880-31-681412 Fax: 880-31-682887 E-miail:moirshah@yahoo.com Web:www.monirstea.com |
Shaw Wallace | SW Tea Limited |
Rashid Bulding, G.P.O. Box –12 Tel: 880-31-710416, 722303 Fax: 880-31-7102445,710416. Email:swt@spctnet.com | G.P.O.Box-12, Tel: 880-31-710416, 722303 Fax: 880-31-710245, 710416 Email:swt@spctnet.com. |
Major Assisting Agencies
| |
Progressive Tower (4th Floor) 1837, Tel: 880-31-712452, 502675 | 171-172, Nasirabad , Tel: 682903, 682712, 683527, 682096 Cable: TEA BANGLA Fax: 880-31-682863 Email: bat@spctnet .com |
Bangladeshiyo Cha Sangsed | Export Promotion Bureau |
Progressive Tower (4th Floor) 1837, Tel: 031-716407 Fax: 031-716407 Email: bestea@simnibd . com | 1, Kawran Bazar Tel: 880-2-9144896-97, 9144894, 9144886 PABX: 9144821-24 Fax: 880-2-9119531 Email: epb.tic@pradeshta. net |
Tea Traders Association of | |
Progressive Tower (3rd Floor) 1837 , Chittagong-4000. Tel: 880-31-712452, 810775. | |
Tea Broking Houses
Bangladesh Tea Brokers Limited | |
Commercial Court 95, Agrabad C/A, Tel: 715549, 716128, 712589 Fax: 880-31-720406 Eamil: nalmgmts@spnetctg. com naimgmts@abnetbd. com | |
Shipping Facilities
All kind of Shipping Facilities are available for export to any part of the World.
Duties on Export of Tea : Nil
Major Blending & Packet tea Export
Bangladesh Tea Ltd. | H.R.C. Syndicate Ltd. |
Commercial Court, 95 Agrabad C/A, Tel: 880-31-715549, 716128, 712589 Fax: 880-31-720406, 610861 Email: naimgmts@abnetbd.com | 2/F , HRC Bhaban, 64-66, Agrabad C/A, Tel: 880-31-710320-4, 726245 fax: 880-31-710125, 711264 Emali: hrc@spctnet.com, hrc@hrcdb. com |
James Finlay Limited | Lever Brothers Bangladesh Ltd |
“Finlay House” , Agrabad C/A, Tel: 880-31-716321-2 Fax: 880-31-710006, 710207 Email: finlaybd@spnetctg. com, teatrading@finalysbd. com | 51, Kalurghat Heavy Industrial Area P.O. Box-125 , Tel: 880-31-670500 Fax: 880-31-670776, 670107 Email: muslim.uddin@unilever. com |
M. M. Ispahani Ltd. | National Tea Company Ltd. |
G. P. O. Box-80, Tel: (PABX) 716153-5, 723619 Tlx: 633268, 676333, MMICG BJ Fax: 880-31-710471 Email: ispahani@spnetctg. com ispasal@spnetctg.com | 17, Dhaka-1000. Tel: 880-2-9330520, 9332230 Fax: 880-2-8313771 Email: natco@bangla. net |
Shaw Wallace Bangladesh Ltd. | |
G.P.O. Box – 12 Tel: 880-31-722303-4, 710416 Fax: 880-31-710245, 710476, Email: swt@spetnet. com, shawtea@spnetctg. com | |
External Market:
External market deals in export business of tea. here teas sold under direct contract sale and through auction.
i) Direct contract sale: Tea can be exported to foreign buyers through direct negotiation between the buyer and producer with prior approval from Bangladesh Tea Board.
ii) Auction: Traders having Bidder ship license from Bangladesh Tea Board can purchase tea from Chittagang Auction external account to export tea. for export this have to obtain license from Bangladesh Tea Board.
Private Investment from Overseas countries is welcome in all areas of the economy. Such investment can be made either independently or through joint venture on mutually beneficial terms and conditions. In other word,100 percent foreign investment is, however, specially desirable in the following
areas:
Export-oriented industries;
Industries in the export processing zones,
I ligh technology products which are other export-substitutes or exported oriented;
Undertaking in which more diversified use of indigenous natural resources is possible
Basic industries, depending mainly on local raw materials;
Investment towards improvements in quality and marketing of goods manufactured and of
Increase production capacities of existing industries;
Labour intensive/technology intensive/capital intensive industries.
Last 10 Years Tea Production, Export & Export Earnings from Bangladesh Tea
(Based on Financial Year)
Sl No. | Year | Production (m.kg) | Export (m.kg) | Export Earnings (m.taka) | Average Price (Tk/kg) | Average Price (US$/kg) | Value (m.US$) |
1. | 1993-94 | 51.73 | 27.42 | 1521.00 | 55.48 | 139 | 38.03 |
2. | 1994-95 | 47.04 | 26.72 | 1241.45 | 46.47 | 1.46 | 31.04 |
3. | 1995-96 | 52.14 | 21.43 | 1176.03 | 54.88 | 1.37 | 29.40 |
4. | 1996-97 | 52.62 | 25.39 | 131.18 | 51.64 | 1.17 | 29.80 |
5. | 1997-98 | 51.25 | 24.45 | 2032.29 | 83.12 | 1.89 | 46.18 |
6. | 1998-99 | 50.26 | 23.50 | 1678.29 | 71.42 | 1.47 | 34.59 |
7. | 1999-2000 | 49.75 | 12.61 | 825.73 | 65.48 | 1.18 | 14.85 |
8. | 2000-2001 | 53.13 | 16.53 | 1122.14 | 67.69 | 1.19 | 19.68 |
9. | 2001-2002 | 55.20 | 13.80 | 947.00 | 68.62 | 1.20 | 16.55 |
10 | 2002-2003 | 54.60 | 12.17 | 870.91 | 71.65 | 1.22 | 14.89 |
Source: a) BTB, b) PDU
Tea & Health
Tea has nutritional properties which means it is rich in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and many more such healthy elements. Tea is a zero calorie drink too. Tea thus has become popular with fitness, well being and good health. It has been suggested that an intake of up to 10 cups of tea per day may be a useful dietary habit. Did you know that 650 ml of tea provides over half of the total intake of dietary flavonoids; nearly 16% of the daily requirement of calcium; almost 10% of the daily requirement of zinc; over 10% of the folic acid need; around 9%, 25% and 6% of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 respectively.
Tea also provides a dietary source of biologically active compounds that help prevent a wide variety of diseases. Extensive research has revealed that tea is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. In fact, fruits and vegetables stand below tea when it comes to the amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants are found in form of polyphenols. Scientific evidences prove that antioxidants promote heart health, prevent cancer, help combat & guard against most diseases like diabetes, BP, tumors, ulcers, inflammations, intestinal problems, tooth decay and many more common ailments.
You can have a healthier heart with tea. Flavonoids present in tea prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases. A source of calcium too (from the milk in it), your cup of tea helps develop strong muscles too. Theaflavins, another component in tea reduces plaque formation too.
Tea composition varies with climate, season, horticultural practices and variety. Polyphenols are the most important component in tea, as they constitute approximately 36 percent of the dry weight of tea. Green and black tea have similar chemical make-up. The primary difference between the two types lies in the chemical changes that take place during their production. In case of black tea, polyphenols are oxidized and this is prevented in the manufacture of green tea, thus making green tea a healthier choice. The most important groups of polyphenols are the catechins in green tea, theaflavins and thearubigens in black tea. A variety of physiological effects have been attributed to tea catechins, which are currently best known for their antioxidant activities.
Black tea is virtually calorie-free (1 calorie per 100 ml) and sodium free, therefore a suitable beverage for individuals on low calorie or low sodium diet. Tea includes fluoride, traces of vitamins A, K, C, B carotene and B vitamins.
Tea is a pleasant, popular, socially accepted, economical and safe drink that is enjoyed every day by hundreds of millions of people across all continents. So, enjoy your cup of tea and stay assured that it is doing good to your system.Component of tea and their benefits:
CATECHINS
• Lowers blood tri glyceride, blood cholesterol
• Reduces incidence of cancer
• Reduces oxidation by active oxygen
• Strengthens blood vessel wall and regulates their permeability
• Inhibits increase of blood sugar
• Inhibits increase of blood pressure
• Reduces tumours
• Reduces mutations
• Helps in the treatment of radiation sickness
• Prevents dental caries
• Kills influenza virus
• Beneficial in the treatment of dysentery
• Prevents halitosis (bad breath)
• Lowers blood tri glyceride, blood cholesterol
• Reduces incidence of cancer
• Reduces oxidation by active oxygen
• Strengthens blood vessel wall and regulates their permeability
• Inhibits increase of blood sugar
• Inhibits increase of blood pressure
• Reduces tumours
• Reduces mutations
• Helps in the treatment of radiation sickness
• Prevents dental caries
• Kills influenza virus
• Beneficial in the treatment of dysentery
• Prevents halitosis (bad breath)
CAFFEINE
• CNS stimulant, hence increased alertness
• Gives relief from fatigue, neuralgia and headaches
• Acts as diuretic
• CNS stimulant, hence increased alertness
• Gives relief from fatigue, neuralgia and headaches
• Acts as diuretic
FLAVONOIDS
• Strengthens blood vessel and blood capillary walls
• Reduces oxidation by active oxygen
• Acts as anti-inflammatory agent
• Increases the level of catecholamines
• Stimulates folic acid biosynthesis
• Normalises thyroid hyperfunction
• Strengthens blood vessel and blood capillary walls
• Reduces oxidation by active oxygen
• Acts as anti-inflammatory agent
• Increases the level of catecholamines
• Stimulates folic acid biosynthesis
• Normalises thyroid hyperfunction
FLUORIDE
• Prevents dental caries
• Prevents dental caries
QUERCETIN
• Acts as Spasmolytic
• Helps in the treatment of acute diarrhea
• Acts as Spasmolytic
• Helps in the treatment of acute diarrhea
VITAMINS
Vitamin - B COMPLEX (RIBOFLAVIN, BIOTIN, NIACIN PANTOTHENATE, INOSITOL)
• Aids carbohydrate and fat metabolism
• Helps in inter and intracellular Ca++ transport
• Helps in moisturisation of the skin
Vitamin - B COMPLEX (RIBOFLAVIN, BIOTIN, NIACIN PANTOTHENATE, INOSITOL)
• Aids carbohydrate and fat metabolism
• Helps in inter and intracellular Ca++ transport
• Helps in moisturisation of the skin
Vitamin- E
• Acts as antioxidant and regulates aging.
• Acts as antioxidant and regulates aging.
SALICYLATES
• Acts as an analgesic and antipyretic
POLYSACCHARIDES
• Lowers blood sugar
• Lowers blood sugar
METHYLXANTHINE
• Acts as diuretic
• Acts as diuretic
THEAFLAVIN, THEARUBIGIN
• Antagonises the activity of bradykinin
• Inhibits arginine and ornithine decarboxylases
• Antagonises the activity of bradykinin
• Inhibits arginine and ornithine decarboxylases
THEOPHYLLINE
• Modulates immune response
• Helps in the treatment of asthma
• Salutary effects on cardiac function
• Modulates immune response
• Helps in the treatment of asthma
• Salutary effects on cardiac function
ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS [LEUCINE, PHENYLALANINE, VALINE,THREONINE]
• Helps in metabolism
• Maintains nitrogen equilibrium
• Helps in metabolism
• Maintains nitrogen equilibrium
THEANINE
• Helps in ammonia and urea metabolism
• Helps in water clearance by renal tissues
• Helps in ammonia and urea metabolism
• Helps in water clearance by renal tissues
LINOLENIC ACID
• Reduces platelet aggregation
• Reduces platelet aggregation
Tea pigments
• Decreases plasma fibrinogen
• Decreases plasma fibrinogen
Seleno-cysteine
• Supports normal thyroid function (helps in the conversion of T4 to physiologically effective T3.)
• Supports normal thyroid function (helps in the conversion of T4 to physiologically effective T3.)
Future Plan:
Tea is major agro-based labour intensive and export-oriented Industry in Bangladesh . It plays a vital a role in the national economy through export earning. Trade balancing and employment generation. It provides employment for about 0.15 million people directly or indirectly and pays about Tk.200m. per year to the government exchequer in terms of various taxes. There are about 45 tea growing countries in the world of which about 30 countries export their teas. Bangladesh ranks 9th both in terms of area and production and 8th in export quantum. Tea cultivation was started in this part of the sub-continent as early as 1840 at about the same time as in other parts of the then India . It had evolved through Pakistani era to difficult and uncertain post liberation period for while. Though comparatively slower due to many reasons and constraints, it has been confidently progressing. From the per hectare yield 622 in 1947 it has reached to 117 in 2000.
Tea in Bangladesh was mainly export oriented in the past. But due to increased tea drinking habit, population growth and rapid urbanization domestic consumption has been rising to noticeable extent. If it continues at this rate and production does not keep pace, export will soon shrink to a stand still and even tea may have to be imported in near future. This will not be a comfortable situation for the nation. At is present riles of growth (@ 1.6%) population will be over 181 million and domestic requirement of tea will be in the tune of 65 million kg by 2020. To meet this internal demand and export some tea to earn foreign exchange maintaining at least a 60:40 ratio, production must be increased by all means. In this perspective a twenty years Strategic Plan up to 2023, for our tea industry has boon formulated . Increasing tea area from 50 thousand hectare to 69 thousand hectare, raising per hectare yield from 1176 to 1748 kg, increasing the total production of tea from 54.2 million kg to 111.6 million kg, improving quality of tea and to export at least 40% of the target production will be the principal manifestations of the plan.
The plan has been divided into three parts: (1) Strategic Development Plan, (2) Strategic Research Plan and (3) Strategic Plan for Tea Tread and Marketing. A national seminar was held on the Strategic Plan for Bangladesh Tea Industry (2004-2023) on the 3rd March 2002 in the CIRDAP Auditorium at Dhaka under the auspices of Bangladesh Tea Board . Subsequently a number of in-house seminars were held in BTRI and PDU of BTB for finalisation of the plan. Distinguished delegates from different Govt. offices, experts from tea related organizations, executives of BTB and BCS, researchers of BTRI and many senior planters were present in those seminars. As per recommendations of those seminars a number of changes has been made in the proposed Strategic Plan.
Conclusion:
Tea industries in Bangladesh are facingnumerous problems. Some of these problems
concern security problems of the executives,unexpected natural calamity, deterioration of law and order situation of the tea estates, log stealing, politicalor outsider influence on their internal arrangements,illegal occupation of land by the outsiders, lack of medical facilities, unhealthy atmosphere in the labour lines, over consumption of wine by the labourer, lack
of infrastructure (road, quarter, water supply network etc), lack of capital and modern machineries, lower market value of made tea in comparison to increasing production cost, lower yield per hectare in comparison to increasing domestic need, lack of instrument for measuring MRL value, improper use of Govt. loans by some owners of the tea gardens,lack of perennial water source for irrigation during dry season and also in prolonged drought, lack of educational institutions, malnutrition among the children of the labour line. For successful tea culture the above problems must be solved. To reduce production cost we have to produce quality tea with eye catching bright orange-red colour liquor with flavour or have to increase yield. We have to make clone tea with high yielding variety having good quality. We must remove the screen of distrust and suspicion of the European countries by establishing a clean image such as achieved by the Sri Lankan Tea Research Institute.
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