By: Staff Writer
July 28, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries of Sri Lanka, led by Mahinda Amaraweera, has announced plans to establish a National Sustainability Standard for Ceylon Tea by the end of 2024.
This initiative, unveiled during a two-day convention attended by representatives from leading tea brands and social organizations worldwide, aims to enhance the country’s position in the global tea industry while addressing critical issues such as climate change and the welfare of plantation workers and smallholder farmers.
Amaraweera emphasized the significance of this new standard, which will promote a regenerative agriculture model with a focus on low-carbon tea production.
The initiative will be grounded in rigorous life cycle analysis to ensure that the tea production processes are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. He highlighted the importance of global collaboration to secure the future of Ceylon Tea amidst the industry’s evolving challenges.
He made this announcement at a convention, organized by the Colombo Tea Traders Association and supported by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustaining the tea industry in light of changing consumer preferences and environmental demands.
Amaraweera acknowledged the dedication of the organizing committee and industry stakeholders in shaping a sustainable future for tea, stressing the importance of collective action in advancing the industry.
The tea industry is crucial to Sri Lanka’s economic development, providing direct and indirect employment to around one million people and supporting the livelihoods of poor communities in estates and remote rural areas.
At the farm level, tea serves as a cash crop, generating income for both farmers and workers, which helps pay for essential needs such as food, schooling, and healthcare.
Despite a decline in its relative importance due to the rapid growth of non-agricultural sectors, tea remains vital in terms of its contribution to national output, employment, and net foreign exchange earnings
Black tea accounted for 12.3% of Sri Lanka’s total export earnings. Ceylon Tea, known for its premium quality, is grown in the highlands of Sri Lanka and holds a significant position in the global market. The country is the fourth largest tea producer in the world, contributing to 6.5% of global production.
The global tea industry faces numerous challenges, including declining productivity in major tea-producing countries like Kenya, India, and Indonesia.
Factors contributing to low productivity include inadequate replanting, inconsistent fertilizer applications, aging tea bushes, soil erosion, high wages, lack of worker training, and poor living and working conditions. Additionally, the tea industry is affected by climate change, which impacts the quality of tea produced.
