Abstract:
Tea sector is one of the most important agricultural sectors, which is a one billion dollar
industry in Sri Lanka. Refused Tea is a waste product in the manufacture of tea. As factories produced a considerable amount of Refused Tea daily it has become a
significant point in the tea industry and it has created a threat to the image of Ceylon
tea. Therefore it is essential to pay attention on Refused Tea problem. This study was
aimed at analyzing the severity of Refused tea problem and finding solutions to reduce
it. The study was carried out at Sri Lanka Tea Board and the data were employed from
Market Intelligence and Resource Division of Sri Lanka Tea Board. A structured
questionnaire was used to collect information from selected tea factories. Analysis of
total production and processing of Refused Tea was based on descriptive and graphical
methods. Time Series techniques were used to find the trend and forecast the Refused
Tea production in Low Country for six months ahead. The effect of different sub
districts of Low Country on Refused Tea production was studied.
It was estimated that, the total amount of annual Refused Tea production in Sri Lanka is
24.9 million kilograms. Monthly total Refused Tea amount in 2007 is 2.15 million
kilograms. The current Refused Tea percentages of the factories within each individual
Assistance Tea Commissioner (ATC) Region is more than 3%. Average Refused Tea
amount was higher in factories which are located in Hatton ATC region. The lowest
was recorded in Mathugama region. Significant increase of Refused Tea processing has
started from December 2006. During 2006 and 2007, major portion of the Refused Tea
was processed in Bandarawela ATC region. During the time period under review,
Refused Tea processing has taken place in the higher elevations in considerable
amounts when compared to Low and Medium. The processed quantities of refused tea
have increased gradually within the last two years. But still a significant portion has
remained without using any other meaningful purpose. There is a decreasing trend in
the refused tea percentages in low country according to forecasted values for the next
six months of the year 2008. Forecasted values are 6 .6 8 % for June, 6.57% for July,
6.5% for August, 6.47% for September, 6.45% for October and 6.45% for November.
Refused Tea percentages are varied significantly among the sub districts in Low
Country. Refused Tea problem can be solved through taking measures to reduce the
refusing amounts and creating a value addition to Refused Tea, such as Instant tea and
also producing paper materials, compost, and litter materials for poultry by using
Refused Tea.
