Importance of quality tea
It is most encouraging to note the meaningful comments made by young minister Kanaka Herath on the post-harvest damage caused to green tea leaves during transportation.
Post- harvest damage leads to degradation of quality and consequently enormous loss in revenue. I earnestly and sincerely appeal to the tea farmers to adhere to the basic principles of plucking. This should be ably supported by the Tea Smallholdings Development Authority and Tea Research Institute at the national level by carrying out vigorous and effective practical sessions. After all there is equal dignity in plucking green leaf as in writing a poem. The utmost priority should be given to this aspect. It is obvious that to make quality teas you need quality leaves.
The practice of transporting already damaged overgrown and boiled leaf in plastic crates will nullify the intended purpose. It is like putting a dead horse in front of the carriage. The factories should strictly follow good manufacturing practices for the benefit of the industry and the country.
Much time and energy has been spent and wasted on debating these vital issues. Let us move on and resolve to walk the talk.
S. Sebastian Retty
Proprietor, Orange Field Tea Factory