Spice industry in for good items

To regain lost Asian leadership:

Sri Lanka's spice industry has been witnessing phenomenon growth rates both in the international and domestic markets. This is mainly due to the fact that the change in the lifestyle pattern of consumers all over the world.

Spices and Allied Products Producers' and Traders Association Chairman Christopher Fernando said the Government needs to take quick measures to introduce rules of deterrence against theft of agriculture produce as an urgent measure to save the spice industry, and other agricultural crops.

"Otherwise the theft of produce could be the killer of the spice industry and also the Government must support to have high breed planting materials and good quality seeds to meet the national requirement," he said. Commenting on the present situation in the spice industry he said at the moment Sri Lanka is not in a position to become a global spice processing hub, as the industry is still in an immature period.

"It has to take some efforts to become a world renowned spice centre making Sri Lanka famous.

In addition the industry needs to regain the lost leadership in the Asian region on the supplying of spices," Fernando said.

There is a significant gap between the export market demand and the local supply in terms of quality and quantity. Therefore, it is very essential to look into this very important matter. I must specially mention that the Ceylon Cinnamon is the best and a true cinnamon in the world, it is evident by exporting 90 percent of our cinnamon to the global market. It is essential to have skilled peelers for cinnamon cultivation which is identified as a major problem." Fernando said.

He added that though policies related to the spice industry is favourable, the Government has to reconsider the decision on the cess imposed on pepper. It is heartening to note that the Government is considering the spice industry as an important sector in its development drive. The Government has to arrange reward schemes and attractable subsidy schemes for spice growers. Also, quick action needs to be taken to get the geographical indications for Ceylon cinnamon.