Good times for spices and allied products

Gayan Kanchana

Sri Lanka has earned more than US$ 175 million exporting spices and allied products. It is planned to reach US$ one billion by 2020, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen said.

"There is a tremendous growth in the industry and this year we expect 20% volume growth rate in the industry compared to 2010 as a whole," the Minister said.

Speaking at the eighth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Spice Council held last week in Colombo, the Minister said good quality Sri Lankan spice products have gained international reputation. The Export Development Board has arranged to open new 20 spice processing centers in the country. Spice Council Chairman Sarada De Silva said, in the first half, value added exports mainly essential oil have increased by 157%, cinnamon by 81% and overall spices by 32% in value.

"The third quarter has also been good. The last quarter we may see a drop in exports due to the drought that prevailed in August, September and the unusual rain patterns experienced during the flowering times," he said.

De Silva said, "Our main problem is production and productivity. Many export inquiries can't be fulfilled due to inefficient volume and quality issues. We believe that with good agronomic practices we can increase our production by over 50%. We work closely with the Department of Agriculture (DEA) on issues relating to production extension and production based research", he said.

De Silva also said that thefts in, spice plantations is also a major problem.

"This is not petty small time theft. It's a organized robbery. They not only rob the crop, in doing so they destroy the vine trees. This is a major drawback to growers increasing their extents to increase production. As a solution for this archaic laws and penalties need to be revised. First it should be non-bail able offence and penalties should be increased from the current Rs.500.00 to at least ten times the value of the crop stolen and compulsory prison term," he said.