SAPPTA works closely with producers, traders:

Big demand for spices in world market

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The Spices and Allied Products Producers and Traders’ Association (SAPPTA) has been working closely with producers and traders to improve the quality of products as there is a growing demand for our spices in the international market, said the Association’s past Chairman M.C.M. Zarook.

We should improve the crop quantity if the rains come in September and October.

This will be fruitful for the spice industry. Pepper, cloves and cocoa in the Central Province will benefit from the rains. Where cinnamon is concerned, the crop is generally good from March to May, he said.

However, farmers are forced to use less fertilizer due to the high prices of fertilizer.

This has resulted in a poorer yield in export crops and steps need to be taken to overcome this situation. It is necessary to provide farmers with stimulus packages to help farmers and producers, he said.

A low production was recorded in the first six months of this year due to unfavourable weather conditions.

This resulted in low volumes of exports too, he said.

Twelve plantation companies have diversified and gone in to production of cinnamon, pepper, cashew and cardamoms.

About 1,965 hectares in Balangoda, Malwatte Valley, Chilaw, Kabarangalla and Kurunegala are under spice cultivation at present. We expect a 3.6 percent growth from this cultivation, he said.

The Association celebrates 25 years service towards the local spice industry this year.

It was founded by members comprising exporters, producers, processors, dealers, brokers and service providers to work for the betterment of the spice industry.

At a glance:

*Good cinnamon crop from March to May

*Farmers hit by high fertilizer prices

*Twelve plantation companies diversify

*SAPPTA celebrates 25th anniversary this year