Sri Lanka's small tea growers contributes around 77% in total production

Sri Lankan minister Ramesh Pathirana on Wednesday said small tea growers contribute around 77 per cent of the island country's total production, and the government is providing subsidiy to the STGs.

Speaking at a BIMSTEC event on tea organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here, Pathirana said Sri Lanka is also trying to adopt technology to raise productivity.

There is a need to protect the existing markets and also go for value addition. Our government is giving subsidy to the small tea growers to support replantation activity, adoption of technology and best agricultural practices," he said.

Most of the tea produced in the island country is exported, and the major exporting destinations include Russia, Turkey and Iran, the minister said.

Sri Lanka produced 250 million kg of tea last year, which is expected to go up to 280 million kg in this calendar year, he said.

"The biggest challenge is the shrinking global market for tea, Pathirana added.

Speaking on the occasion, MD of