Model spice processing and training centre for Matale
Under the leadership of the Spice Council, the Sri Lankan spice
industry opened a new Model Spice Processing and Training Centre in
Matale.
The centre was built with assistance from the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) through The Competitiveness Programme
(TCP).
TCP is helping the Sri Lankan private sector to compete more
successfully in international markets, leading to more foreign
investment, and more better-paying jobs that will help raise the
standard of living for the
Opening: USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn right cuts the
ribbon on a new Model Spice Processing and Training Centre in
Matale. The centre was built with assistance from the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID) through The
Competitiveness Programme (TCP). At left is Spice Council
Chairman Sarada de Silva, and USAID Economic Growth Office
Director Dick Edwards. |
country's rural areas, including Matale.
As part of USAID assistance to the spice industry, TCP helped create
the Spice Council, providing them with short term technical assistance,
market research, workshops, study tours and visits to trade shows.
"Together with the Spice Council, we have also formed a smallholder
farmer organization and jointly developed this model spice processing
and training facility," said USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn at the
inauguration event. "It is our hope that this centre will improve the
quality and consistency of spices produced by smallholder farmers, and
help Sri Lankan spices become more competitive in international
markets."
TCP is also linking farmers with exporters and processors who will
help them obtain higher returns and increase their incomes. The training
center will help over 100 farmers in the area enhance their knowledge on
best practices in cultivation of spices and how to improve their post
harvest processing techniques.
The centre will also become the focal point for the transfer of
technology to spice producers in the Matale area so that the quality is
high and conforms to the high standards required by the importing
countries.
Asian Tribune
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