final print danawardana
TRANSCRIPT
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. G. Chandrasena, honorable Vice Chancellor, Uva
Wellassa University and Dr. S. Jayamanna, Dean, Faculty of Animal Science and Export
Agriculture and Dr. L. M. H. R. Alwis, Head, Department of Export Agriculture for giving me
the opportunity to carry out this valuable training program under their supervision and
guidance.
Then I would like to pay my gratitude Dr. K.G. Premathilake , Coordinator of field training
program on Tea production for arranging field training program with the guidance and
supervision.
I would like to pay my gratitude to Balangoda Plantations PLC and Mr. T. G. A. De Mel,
General Manager, Balangoda Plantations PLC for facilitating the field training program on
behalf of us.
Also I wish to render my sincere gratitude to Mr. H. S. C. Nanayakkara, Superintendent, Glen
Alpin Estate, Mr. N. P Liyanage, Superintendent, Telbedde Estate, Mr. J. U. Hulangamuwa,
Superintendent, Ury Estate and Mr. P. K. Senanayake, Superintendent, Wewessa Estate for
their co-operation.
I am immensely grateful to all other assistant superintendents for their guidance and
supervision in field operations. Then my thank goes to all field officers, factory officers, and
office staff members providing their assistance during the training program.
Further, I would like to appreciate Ms. R.M.S.D. Rathnayake, Lecturer and Ms. Madhusha De
Silva, Temporary Lecturer for their assistance and supervision as my supervisors. Finally, I am
most thankful to my parents, group members and colleagues who helped me in numerous ways
to complete this field training program successfully.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................ i
TABLE OF CONTENT ........................................................................................................... ii
LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................. vi
LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF PLATES ............................................................................................................... viii
CHAPTER 01 ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Objective of the Training ............................................................................................ 1
1.2 Introduction to the Company....................................................................................... 1
1.3 The Organizational Hierarchy ..................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 02 ........................................................................................................................... 4
2.0 Activities Undertaken .................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Nursery ........................................................................................................................ 4
2.1.1 Site Selection ....................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2 Soil Selection ....................................................................................................... 5
2.1.3 Soil Treatment (Fumigation of Soil) .................................................................... 5
2.1.4 Preparation of Nursery Beds ................................................................................ 5
2.1.5 Bagging ................................................................................................................ 5
2.1.6 Sources of Planting Material ................................................................................ 6
2.1.7 Preparation of Mother Bushes ............................................................................. 6
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2.1.8 Method of Taking Cuttings .................................................................................. 6
2.1.9 Planting of Cuttings ............................................................................................. 7
2.1.10 Aftercare Management......................................................................................... 7
2.2 Replanting ................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.1 Land Selection ..................................................................................................... 9
2.2.2 Uprooting ............................................................................................................. 9
2.2.3 Forking and Leveling ......................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Construction of Drainage Lines ......................................................................... 10
2.2.5 Soil Rehabilitation ............................................................................................. 11
2.2.6 Planting and Maintaining of Mana Grasses ....................................................... 11
2.2.7 Planting of Shade Trees ..................................................................................... 12
2.2.8 Pegging and Field Planting of Tea ..................................................................... 13
2.2.9 Early Aftercare Operations ................................................................................ 13
2.3 Plucking ..................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.1 Leaf Standard ..................................................................................................... 14
2.3.2 Standard of Plucking .......................................................................................... 15
2.3.3 Frequency of Plucking (Plucking Round).......................................................... 15
2.3.4 Severity of Plucking ........................................................................................... 15
2.3.5 Methods of Plucking .......................................................................................... 16
2.3.6 Weighing of Green Leaf .................................................................................... 17
2.3.7 Cost of Plucking ................................................................................................. 17
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2.3.8 Transport of Green Leaves ................................................................................. 18
2.4 Pruning ...................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.1 Starch Test ......................................................................................................... 18
2.4.2 Methods of Pruning............................................................................................ 19
2.4.3 Field Categorization ........................................................................................... 20
2.4.4 Post Pruning Practices........................................................................................ 20
2.4.5 Tipping ............................................................................................................... 21
2.5 Fertilizing of Tea ....................................................................................................... 21
2.5.1 Fertilizer Recommendation ................................................................................ 21
2.6 Draining ..................................................................................................................... 23
2.6.1 Desilting ............................................................................................................. 23
2.7 Forking ...................................................................................................................... 23
2.8 Weeding .................................................................................................................... 24
2.8.1 Characteristics of Weeds.................................................................................... 24
2.8.2 Methods of Weed Management ......................................................................... 24
2.9 Tea Manufacturing .................................................................................................... 25
2.9.1 Orthodox manufacture ....................................................................................... 25
2.9.2 Tea Manufacture – Rotorvane ........................................................................... 28
2.10 Maintenance of Estate Records ................................................................................. 29
2.10.1 Estate Record Books .......................................................................................... 29
2.11 Welfare Activities ..................................................................................................... 30
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CHAPTER 03 ......................................................................................................................... 32
PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED AND SUGGESTIONS ........................................................... 32
CHAPTER 04 ......................................................................................................................... 33
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................... 33
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 34
APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................ 35
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LIST OF TABLES
No. Title Page No
Table 1.1: Overview of Four Estates ......................................................................................... 2
Table 2.1: Nursery Calendar for Uva Region (North-East monsoon) ....................................... 4
Table 2.2: Pesticide Use in Tea Nurseries ................................................................................. 8
Table 2.3: Shade Trees and Their Planting Distances ............................................................. 13
Table 2.4: Severity of Plucking ............................................................................................... 15
Table 2.5: Method of Plucking ................................................................................................ 17
Table 2.6: Resting Periods According to Starch Level ............................................................ 19
Table 2.7: Method of Pruning .................................................................................................. 19
Table 2.8: Nitrogen Replacement Schedule............................................................................. 22
Table 2.9: Estate Record Books and Their Inclusion………………………………………...29
Table 2.10: Responsibilities of the Welfare Staffs .................................................................. 31
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LIST OF FIGURES
No. Title Page No
Figure 1.1: Organizational Hierarchy of an Estate .................................................................... 3
Figure 2.1: Single Node Cutting ................................................................................................ 7
Figure 2.2: Lateral Drains with Lock and Spill, and Lock and Spill with Silt Pit .................. 11
viii
LIST OF PLATES
No. Title Page No
Plate 2.1: Uprooting Tea Bushes and Constructing Drains ..................................................... 11
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1.0 CHAPTER 01
Introduction
This report comprises detailed information on activities followed and experience gained in the
field training programme designed for BSc. in Tea Technology and Value Addition course
offered at Uva Wellassa University. The training programme was conducted for a period of
one month under the supervision of internal and external supervisors.
1.1 Objective of the Training
To acquire the competencies in technical, operational and managerial practices in tea industry
while identifying and assessing the development needs required to sustain the tea industry as
the most viable economic activity of the country.
1.2 Introduction to the Company
Balangoda Plantations PLC is a company which managed by the Stassen group. It is engaged
in the cultivation, processing and selling activities under tea and rubber. The company has 16
tea estates, one rubber estate and 7 tea and rubber mixed estates which spread about 5400 ha
under tea and 1900 ha under rubber in Badulla, Balangoda and Ratnapura regions.
Balangoda plantation PLC was incorporated in 1992 to take over the assets and liabilities of
various estates owned and managed by the Janatha Estate Development Board (JDB) and the
Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation (SLSPC) as a public limited company.
Their vision is to achieve excellence in the production and marketing of tea and rubber both
locally and internationally. Their mission is to increase productivity as well as to encourage
team work and motivate amongst employees and provide for carrier development.
The field training program was conducted by Balanoda plantations PLC at their estates named
Glen Alpin, Thelbedde, Ury and Wewesse. All the four estates bested near Badulla, with a
varying elevation between 3000 to 6000 feet under Uva medium category known as one of the
world’s best tea producing region. Glen-Alpin, Wewesse, Ury estates are producing pure
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Orthodox tea while Telbedde estate undergoes Unorthodox-rotorvane manufacturing process
according to the market demand.
Entire training period was conducted 4 weeks from 22nd of September to 17th of October 2014.
A description of estates related to the field training is given as follows (Table 1.1).
Table 1.1: Overview of Four Estates
Estate Tea land
extent (ha) Labor force
Training
period Activities
Ury 340.13
548
22nd of Sept to
26th of Sept
2014
Plucking, Record Keeping,
Weeding and Pest & disease
management
Telbedde 697.97 1320
28th of Sept to
3rd of Oct
2014
Rotorvane tea manufacturing,
Fertilizer application and
Nursery management
Glen
Alpin
352.7 556
6th of Oct to
11th of Oct
2014
Uprooting, Soil rehabilitation,
Soil conservation, Replanting,
Pruning and Shade management
Wewesse 285 446
12th of Oct to
17th of 2014
Orthodox tea manufacturing,
Labor management & welfare
activities and Muster
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1.3 The Organizational Hierarchy
Managing Director
Superintendents / Estate Manager
Field Staff
Senior Factory
Officer
Assistant Superintendents
Office Staff
Factory Staff
Mid Wife Factory Workers
Factory Officer
Field Workers
Kangani
Assistant Field
Officer
Field Officer
Welfare
Officer
Welfare Staff
Chief Clerk
Divisional
Clerk
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Estate Doctor
Crèche Staff
General Manager
Figure 1.1: Organizational Hierarchy of an Estate
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2.0 CHAPTER 02
Activities Undertaken
2.1 Nursery
Successful tea cultivation is based on the regular maintenance of the plant from the nursery
itself and also tea cultivation should have strong foundation as unlike short term crops,
therefore tea nursery management is an important operation undertaken in tea cultivation. The
objective of nursery management is to raise vigorous, healthy, and uniform plants from
suitable cultivars with least casualties. In Uva region, all the agricultural practices are
scheduled upon the North-East monsoon, where the nursery operations are recommended as
follows. Shows in table 2.1
Table 2.1: Nursery Calendar for Uva Region (North-East monsoon)
Activity Season
Pruning mother bushes ( 4- 6 months prior to planting) May – Jul
Soil collection, Preparation, Fumigation and bagging Jul - Aug
Planting of cuttings Oct - Dec
Supplying casualties (2 week intervals) Dec - Jan
Fertilizer application (2 week intervals) Jan - Feb
Disbudding (4 - 5 leaf stage) Feb – Mar
Thumb nailing (7 - 8 leaf stage) Mar - Apr
Restacking (4 - 5 month stage) Apr – May
Hardening (5 - 7 month stage) May – Jun
Field planting
Up country and Uva in 10-12 months, Low country in 8-9 months
Oct - Nov
2.1.1 Site Selection
These factors should be considered for selection of a site. Proximity to a source of water,
proximity to a source of soil and source of planting material, it should have good drainage
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system and good protection from wind. It should not have shade trees, overhanging branches
of trees.
2.1.2 Soil Selection
Sandy loam or loam soil are better as the media. The pH of the soil should be within a
range of 4.5 and 5.5. The soil chosen for bagging should be sieved using No.4 mesh
to remove stones, pebbles and large root particles. These characteristics of soil could be
obtained from mana soil, patana soil, jungle soil and sub soil. Paddy husk, refuse tea and coir
dust could be used as substitute for the soil.
2.1.3 Soil Treatment (Fumigation of Soil)
Soil fumigation was practiced to eradicate nematode infestation at the preliminary stage in the
nursery by adding 800 ml of Metham Sodium or 500 g of Bazamid per 1 cube of soil after
sieving from No. 4 mesh. Then it was covered for three weeks using 300 gauge black polythene.
In Uva, soil solarization is not practiced as a soil treatment, due to the lack of solar radiation
exposure continuously for six hours. The covered soil should be mixed well after the 9th, 12th,
15th and 21st days.
2.1.4 Preparation of Nursery Beds
A recommended size of nursery bed having 1.0 m width and any convenient length up to 20 m
were built in to North-South direction to receive the sunlight throughout the day. Raise beds
were built about 15 cm height for assisting drainage and to avoid the contamination with
nematodes coming through running water by keeping and 60 cm apart path is for walking.
2.1.5 Bagging
About 500 transparent polythene sleeve have recommended gauge (150) and size (4 x 6 inches)
were obtained from 1 kg of polythene. Bags were filled with moisten fumigated soil by
uniformly pressurizing the soil towards the polythene sleeve. Air pockets should not be there.
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Then bags should be kept for 2 - 3 weeks to settle down. Approximately 800-900 bags could
be filled using 1 cube fumigated of soil. Bagging task for a labor was 500 sleeves per day.
2.1.6 Sources of Planting Material
Suitable mother bushes should be selected to obtain shoots, because it assists to produce
healthy, vigorous and uniform plants in the nursery affects for the longevity of the tea bush.
This selection should be depended on yield of the cultivar cultivar, pest and diseases tolerant
ability, tolerant to undesirable climatic conditions in particular region, quality of the made tea,
wide plucking table, minimum four year old, fast growing after pruning and also it should be
suited with the region (For Uva: TRI 3018, TRI 3019, TRI 4042, DG 7, DN).
2.1.7 Preparation of Mother Bushes
Remove of terminal buds and foliar application of Zink Sulphate (ZnSO4) and application of 2
- 3 % Urea should be done in order to break dormancy of auxiliary buds about 2 - 3 weeks prior
taking shoots. Mother bush should be over four years in age when the cuttings are taken.
Vigorously grown erect shoots should be selected. Good, healthy shoots for laying cuttings
were selected and collected early in the morning. Lateral branches were not be taken.
2.1.8 Method of Taking Cuttings
“Single node cutting” is the ideal form of the vegetative part for planting in nursery. In Uva
region, 3-5 suitable cuttings per shoot. The best cuttings were taken from semi hard wood,
middle portion of the shoot leaving the apical tender portion and the basal mature portion.
Initial length of a cutting should be about 2.5 - 3.8 cm. Cuttings with flower buds, over grown
shoots and damaged mother leaf containing cuttings were removed. Immediately after the
cuttings were obtained, dropped then into a Cu base fungicide solution container. This was
done for inhibiting the Blister blight attack initial stage in the nursery. The ideal shoot that we
had taken from healthy shoot was as follows.
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2.1.9 Planting of Cuttings
The basal end of the cutting was dipped in a solution of “IndolButric Acid” (Maxi Crop) to
induce rooting. Cuttings were inserted vertically down into the soil applying a gentle pressure.
After that, they were lightly watered. Cuttings were placed along one direction at an angle to
avoid the overlapping of the mother leaves. The upper cut was not covered by soil.
2.1.10 Aftercare Management
2.1.10.1 Shade the Nursery
Cuttings should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Optimum shade supply is important. There
are different types of shades, low shade with bracken fern was used as shade providing method.
Bracken ferns were inserted in clusters of about 2 - 3 fern shoots between alternative polythene
sleeves. Bracken ferns (Gleichenia linearis) were used as clusters leaving two bags. About 80
% of shade can be provided within first 3 months using bracken ferns.
2.1.10.2 Watering
Watering should be practiced 2 - 3 times per day after planting. One watering can will be
enough to wet 120 plants. Frequency of watering will be depending on the weather condition.
2.1.10.3 Fertilizer application
Fertilizer application should be commenced only, when cuttings have rooted (The months of
Jan - Feb according to nursery calendar of Uva). Initially, about 35 g of T 65 in 5 L water for
Figure 2.1: Single Node Cutting
8
1 m2 (120 plants) at fortnight intervals should be applied and the dosage should be gradually
increased up to 70 g after two months and should continue. Watering should be done after each
fertilizer application using fresh water to prevent foliar damage. To enhance early bud break
and for active growth of plants ZnSO4 can be applied as foliar application. About 14 g of
ZnSO4 in 5 L of water can be sprayed by using Knapsack sprayer for 4500 plants about a week
after the first application of T 65.
2.1.10.4 Pest and Disease Control
Pest and disease control is an important practice to obtain healthy plant. Tea tortrix and the
shot hole borer are the most common pest can be found in tea nurseries. Pest and disease on
young leaves in tea nurseries can be controlled using pesticides shown in the table 2.2.
Table 2.2 Pesticide Use in Tea Nurseries
Pest / Disease Chemicals used to control
Tea Tortrix Mimic / Atabrone
Shot Hole Borer Lebasid
Blister Blight Copper sulphate
2.1.10.5 Disbudding and Thumb-nailing
To encourage the formation of lateral branches from the lower levels of the stem Disbudding
and Thumb nailing were practiced. Removal of bud and the first two leaves at the 7-8 leaf stage
is called as Thumb-nailing while the removal of the terminal bud at the 4-5 leaf stage is called
Disbudding.
2.1.10.6 Restacking and Hardening
When the plants are grown up to 4 - 5 months, re-staking and hardening should be conducted
to give more attention for low grown plants. To obtain plants in uniform size, the plants are
separated by restacking them according to their growth (height). Conversion of the plants to
9
the natural climate is called as hardening. As more leaves are formed, plants need exposure
to more sunlight for better growth. This can be achieve by the removing shade gradually
up to 25 % shade.
2.2 Replanting
Replanting works are very important practices done in tea fields because old seedling and VP
plants that are aged more than 30 years, not providing sufficient productivity. This operation
is conducted to increase the yields and when launching a replanting work it is important to
follow the recommended standards. Extent of replanting at an estate is decided by the estates
according to their available resources.
2.2.1 Land Selection
Land selection is very much important in replanting, as the estate invest much money on
replanting. For that, field categorization is very essential depending on the productivity. Fields
are categorized into three groups as A, B and C. Lower B and upper C categorized fields in
estate. It is important to establish soil profile pits and subjected to inspect from an expertise
from Tea Research Institute. It is recommended to establish 10 pits per ha, but practically this
is reduces up to 8 - 9. Characteristics of suitable land for tea growing are well drained soil, soil
depth greater than 50 cm, slopes less than 70 %, rockiness not more than 20 %, gravel content
in the top 90 cm less than 50%.Size of a pit is 3 × 3 × 3 ft.
Lands under prolonged spells of dry weather and desiccating winds are unsuitable for
replanting. Even in the best lands that are selected for replanting, there may be patches of land
areas having poor soil depth, clay or gravel soil, poor drainage and steepness.
2.2.2 Uprooting
All the roots of tea bushes and shade trees which are more than pencil thickness were removed
manually by using “Mamotee” and “Crawbar” or mechanically by Back hoes. According to
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TRI guidelines uprooting should commence from the uppermost section of a slope. But when
it is used Back hoes to this operation it is not practicable with some field restrictions. Old tea
plants were uprooted using the winch as it is capable of removing almost all the big roots. All
shade trees should be ring barked 2 - 2 ½ years prior to uprooting in order to deplete the
carbohydrate reserves.
2.2.3 Forking and Leveling
After uprooting, deep fork to depth of 45 cm was conducted. Heavy machines should be used
to uprooting such as back hoes and at the same time forking also conducted.
2.2.4 Construction of Drainage Lines
Basically there are two types of drains called leader and lateral drains. Leader drains are the
main drains which constructed on natural drainage lines. All the lateral drains are gently sloped
towards the leader drains. The main purpose of the drains constructing is minimize the soil
erosion.
Leveled land was pegged along the contour at a gradient of 1:120 to slope towards the leader
drain by using “A-Frame” and “Road tracer” to make a lateral drain. Finally smoothed the drain
line with more pegs. After the demarcation, lateral drains were cut according a particular
pattern called lock and spill pattern. Sometime silt pits also used. The dug soil should be put
onto the upper side of the drain (Figure 2.2). Otherwise it can be caused the soil erosion. In
order to prevent the collapse of leader drain the lateral drain should not be cut directly opposite
towards the leader drain. Upper end of the drain was planted with vetever grass to prevent
11
collapse and soil erosion. The space between lateral drains is depended on the slope of the land
and amount of rain fall (usually it is taken 6-12 m).
The excess water from lateral drains is collected by the leader drains and carried away at
slowly. It should be constructed on step wise with a reverse slope to slow the velocity of
running water. Check dam should be constructed at frequent intervals to collect silt. Base and
the side walls of the leader drain were paved.
(a) (b)
(a)Uprooting Tea Bushes (b) Constructing Drains
Plate 2.1: Uprooting Tea Bushes and Constructing Drains
2.2.5 Soil Rehabilitation
Before planting grass dolomite should be applied to adjust the soil pH to the desirable range of
4.5 - 5.5. The dolomite was uniformly distributed on the soil surface.
2.2.6 Planting and Maintaining of Mana Grasses
Mana (Cymbopogon conefetiflorus) is the recommended as rehabilitation grass species for Uva.
The grasses should be planted along contours at 10 - 15 cm spacing in the row and at 60 - 90
2'
10'-12'
Silt pit
3'
Lock
1' 1.5'
9'' 6'
Soil surface
0.5'
Figure 2.2: Lateral drains with lock and spill, and lock and spill with silt pit
12
cm spacing between rows. The lands should be kept under rehabilitation grasses at least for 18
months along with proper fertilizing and lopping. U- 625 fertilizer mixture could be added to
the rehabilitation grasses.
The mixture is included with Urea, ERP (Eppawala Rock Phosphate) and MOP (Muriate of
Potash).
Lopping of mana grass was begun at the height of 1.5 feet and the other loppings should be
done at the height of 2 feets. Mana lopping should be practiced before came in to flowering
stage and practice 3-4 times.
2.2.7 Planting of Shade Trees
Shade management is important in tea cultivation. Three types of shade trees are used for
shading according to the requirement. They are Low shade, Medium shade and High shade.
2.2.7.1 Medium Shade Management
The establishment of shade trees was done during the planting of rehabilitation grasses. Dadap
(Erythrina lithosperma) is one of recommended and commonly used Medium shade type for
high elevations. Shade was established by planting poles of suitable size and maturity. The
height of the pole was 6 - 7 ft and the soils of the planting hole were mixed with 225 g of
dolomite prior to planting the pole. The initial spacing among plants were 10 × 10 ft and later
the plants can be thinned out to a spacing of 20 × 20 ft.
2.2.7.2 High Shade Management
Gravillia robustais a recommended high shade species in mid and high elevations. Seedlings
of Gravillia were inter planted with medium shade trees, initially at 20 × 20 ft spacing and later
can be thinned out to a spacing of 40 × 40 ft. Dolomite at the rate of 1 kg was mixed with soil
and incorporated into each planting hole. Shade trees and their planting distances are mention
in table 2.3.
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Table 2.3 Shade Trees and Their Planting Distances
Type of Shade Shade Tree Initial Stand(ft2) Final Stand(ft2)
Medium shade Dadap /Gliricidia 10 x 10 20 x 20
High shade Grevillea 20 x 20 40 x 40
2.2.8 Pegging and Field Planting of Tea
Planting of tea was commenced with early monsoon from October - November. Grasses are
cut up to the ground level. About 1 ft away from the upper drain and 1.5 ft away from the lower
drain were left without planting tea while rest of the land under goes planting.
For good spreading cultivars, the road tracer at 0 or naked eye should be used for lining and
pegging for single row tea planting. It was done by keeping 2 ft within the row and 4 ft in
between tea rows. Pegging for double row planting was done for low spreading cultivars by
keeping a spacing of 5 ft between double tea rows and 2 ft - 1.5 ft within the rows.
After that, planting holes were prepared for planting. The depth, top diameter and bottom
diameter of the hole should be 18” × 12” × 9” respectively. Around 2/3of the planting hole was
filled with top soil and 7 g of Carbofuran was added to prevent the white grub infestation. In
gravelly soils, 18” × 12” sized trenches should be constructed for tea planting instead of holes.
After the soil is settled in hole, plant was placed after removing the polythene cover. Then the
hole is filled with sub soil up to the ground level and staked to avoid the wind damage.
2.2.9 Early Aftercare Operations
2.2.9.1 Thatching
After planting tea thatching should be spreaded over 4 inches radius, without keeping Mana
lopping too close to the collar of the plant to avoid the wood rot.
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2.2.9.2 Centering
At the first centering, the main stem was cut at a height of 20 - 25 cm from the base of the
plant. Second and third centering were done at 35 - 40 cm and 45 - 55 cm respectively to induce
the formation of lateral branches and the bush structure using the secateurs. Other aftercare
operations such as planting the cover crops such as Desmodium ovalifolium and Arachis
pintoiias live mulch crops to conserve soil, application of fertilizers such as T 200 and T 750
and weeding was carried out in a new clearing.
2.3 Plucking
Plucking is removal of tender apical shoots with 2-3 leaves at regular intervals. This is the most
important operation among the other field works. As it supplies raw materials for production
process. This is the most labor intensive field operation in tea plantations. 30-35 % out of the
total cost of production (COP) is allocated for plucking process. Generally about 70 % of labor
force of an estate is employed for manual plucking. Quality plucking is essential to profit
maximization. It is the main control point in high quality tea manufacturing.
2.3.1 Leaf Standard
In order to produce good quality tea, harvested shoots should have only 2-3 tender leaves. They
should not be physical damages. Harvested leaves can be categorized into two standards
according to the quality. There are Good leaf and Bad leaf.
Good leaf - Tender shoots with 2-3 single immature leaves free of physical damage,
immature dormant leaf
Bad leaf – Tea shoots with mature (coarse) leaves and stalks and damaged shoots
Usually, the presence of more than 75 – 80 % good leaf ensures a better quality of the end
product.
15
2.3.2 Standard of Plucking
The standard of plucking is determined by the size or degree of the maturity of harvested
shoots. Mainly there are three plucking standards; viz there are fine plucking, medium plucking
and hard plucking. Medium plucking is the best standard of plucking which provides an
acceptable leaf standard for producing better quality tea at a low cost
2.3.3 Frequency of Plucking (Plucking Round)
Frequency of plucking is the number of days between subsequent plucking rounds. It is defined
as the time, taken by the majority of shoots remaining after the previous round to recover for
harvesting. Generally the plucking round in Uva region is 5 - 6 days for VPs and 8 - 9 days for
Seedlings. Shorter plucking round could be observed in wet weather and cropping season.
2.3.4 Severity of Plucking
The severity of plucking determines the point at which a shoot is harvested as mention in the
table below.
Table 2.4 Severity of Plucking
Severity of plucking Description
Single leaf plucking Shoot is plucked leaving the most
mature normal leaf
Mother leaf plucking The mature leaf left on the bush after
plucking. Lightest and healthiest
plucking in tea
Fish leaf plucking Plucking to the fish leaf. Hard plucking
system
Janam leaf plucking Plucking below the fish leaf .Hard
plucking systems
16
2.3.5 Methods of Plucking
There are three types of plucking methods.
Manual Harvesting
Well grown with, one or two older generation of shoots having 2-3 leaves were removed
manually to practice manual plucking while keeping younger generations of shoots called
arimbus in the plucking table for the next round. That shoots should not be plucked. Selective
plucking gives high and sustainable yields. During the plucking specific terminologies were
identified. (See Appendix A)
Shear Plucking (TRI Selective Tea Harvester)
Shear plucking was practiced as a selective plucking method. Labour productivity can be
increased and to prevent the physical damages can be prevent to shoots in the fields with high
shoot density and less number of dormant shoots with long internodes. Shear plucking was
avoided at the stage of “bringing young tea into bearing” and “tipping after pruning”, because
of insufficient foliage and open nature in the plucking table.
Motorized Machine Plucking
Machine plucking using motorized harvesters. It is a non - selective plucking method, which
is suitable for uniformly grown shoots with a good ground cover with trained canopies than in
a slopy land and closer plantings. When machine plucking was done; plucking table becomes
leveled facilitating the formation of “Mudichchi”. But, in rush crop season, this could be the
best alternative to increase the efficiency of harvesting along with the labours shortage in Uva.
Two workers should be assigned for a machine to avoid the inconveniences such as handling
the machine and maintenance of plucking table by rotating the tasks among two workers.
Plucking details for Uva region can be shown as in the table below
17
Table 3.5 Method of Plucking
Method of plucking Pluckers per
hectare
Plucking round
(days)
Norm (Kg)
Manual Plucking 10 – 12 7 – 8 18
Shear plucking 8 – 10 10 18
Machine plucking 4 15 40
Tipping 5 - -
2.3.6 Weighing of Green Leaf
Plucked green leaves are weighed by sack labor with the supervision of Assistant Field Officer
or Field Officer using round dial scale in the muster shed or pre-determined place. After picking
bad leaves around 8 kg of leaves were filled into a bag. The field weight was calculated by
multiplying the number of bags from 8 kg. This field weight is recorded in the green leaf
statement and handed over to the factory by the Field Officer. Weight taken after the leaves
filled sacks reach the factory is called as factory weight. For every 8 kg of green leaves 1 kg
was deducted and recorded in the green leaf statement book and relevant weighing books for
each and every division. 3 % difference in between the field weight and factory weight and 2
% in between check roll weight and factory weight is allowed and are not considered as a
significant loss.
2.3.7 Cost of Plucking
To work out cost of plucking all the related cost for plucking and quantity of made tea produced
were taken in to consideration.
Cost of plucking = Total cost related to plucking = (Rs.125 / 1kg of made tea)
Total quantity of made tea produced
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2.3.8 Transport of Green Leaves
The plucked green leaves were transported to factory as soon as possible, in order to treat them
for manufacturing. Lorries and tractors were use too transport green leaves. During the
transport care should be taken to not to damage green leaves due to premature fermentation
will be badly affect on quality of end product.
2.4 Pruning
Pruning is removal of leaf bearing branches at a given height in regular intervals. There are
several objectives of pruning.
Maintain a convenient height of the plucking table for easy harvesting
Stimulate vegetative shoot growth for sustaining productivity
Remove old, decayed, pest-infested and diseased branches for maintaining a healthy
frame
Effectively utilize the land area
2.4.1 Starch Test
Starch test was conducted to identify the recovering ability before pruning. Thumb sized Root
samples were taken from randomly selected tea bushes (10 bushes/ha). Roots were washed and
split into 2 halves length wise. Few drops of iodine were applied to the splited surfaces of the
roots. Color changes were observed after 1 minute as follows.
Dark bluish colour : - Starch content is greater than 15%
Pale bluish colour : - Starch content in between 10 – 15%
No colour change : - Starch content less than 10%
It is not necessary rested the field, if more than 75 % of dark bluish roots resulted. If that
value is less than 75 %, those fields should be rested for 2-3 months prior to pruning. Resting
periods according to the starch test can be shown as follows table 2.6
19
Table 2.6 Resting Periods According to Starch Level
Starch Level in Roots Appropriate Resting Period
>75% No need of resting (The field is suitable for pruning)
50% - 75% Rest the field for 4 – 6 weeks
<50% Rest the field for 9 – 12 weeks
2.4.2 Methods of Pruning
North East monsoonal rain is prominent in Uva region. Therefore, 2nd half of the year could
not produce more crops like 1st half. It is important to obtain 60 % of total annual yield in first
half. To achieve this target keep the entire A categorized fields in estate for cropping season of
Uva in month of March-April without pruning is very essential. Therefore it is important to
select the C categorized fields to prune in January and February and where the A categorized
fields in September and October. Pruning should be done best when adequate soil moisture is
available in the field. There are three main types of pruning styles. They are as follows.
Table 2.7 Method of Pruning
Rim-lung pruning was recommended for Uva region due to undesirable climatic conditions
specially drought or low moisture in soil and less fertility of soil. Rim-lung pruning was
conducted by leaving 3 - 4 healthy branches with 200 - 300 leaves at the periphery of the bush.
During the pruning unwanted branches such as “Mudichchi”, “Asimbuwadu”, “Pinnalvadu”,
Style of pruning Height of pruning (inches)
Clean pruning 10 – 16
Rim-Lung pruning 16 – 22
Cut across Pruning 22 – 28
20
“Puttakatta”, “Pillivadu”, “Mudichchivadu” and “Kolundumudichchi” were removed using the
pruning knife without harming the remaining branches. Sanitary works such as removal of
prominent knots, dead and diseased branches also very essential. Sharp pruning cut was
obtained and slope of the cut should be parallel to the slope of the land.
2.4.3 Field Categorization
Field categorization was based on the performance of the each land. Generally tea fields are
categorized into A, B and C. Every year ¼ of land extent was pruned in each category. Forward
pruning program was drawn to the easiness.
2.4.4 Post Pruning Practices
2.4.4.1 Mossing and Ferning
Removal of moss and ferns could be done either by brushing them off manually or by
spraying lime.
2.4.4.2 Bush Sanitation
Weak, diseased, dead or pest-infested branches were removed with the pruning. Branches with
extensive dieback, wood rot, canker and termite damages could undergo low prune below the
average level of prune height. It is prefered to apply a wound dressing on the prune cuts. Frame
of the bush can be protected from sun scorch by placing some of the prunings over the bushes.
2.4.4.3 Burying of Pruning
Burying of pruning is practiced to enhance organic matter content and to recycle plant nutrients
which were available in soil. Shallow trenches were made with 10 ft length, 2 ½ ft– 3ft width
and 1 ft in height in between inter - rows alternatively on flat and undulating lands. All prunings
are buried in to the soil to increase the soil fertility. 40 - 45 labours are assigned for one hectare.
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2.4.4.4 Removal of Lung Branches
The lungs should be removed selectively depending on the stage of recovery of individual
bushes. When more than 75 % of bushes were recovered, lungs could be removed. Too early
or too late removal of lungs should be avoided.
2.4.5 Tipping
There is a final step of pruning and commencing step of plucking called Tipping. This should
be done after 90 – 120 days after pruning in Uva region, but this can be vary according to the
recovery of the tea bush when the new shoots emerged properly. Objective of tipping is to
increase plucking points, maintain the bush frame and establish the plucking table after
pruning.
2.5 Fertilizing of Tea
Fertilizing is conducted to provide nutrients artificially to the plant and to recover the soil by
providing nutrients absorbed by plants and to increase yield. In new clearings fertilizer was
applied in a ring around the plant and in mature tea broadcasting method was used. Fertilization
program was based on field categorization. The labour requirement for fertilizing is four per
hectare.
2.5.1 Fertilizer Recommendation
2.5.1.1 Nitrogen Fertilizer Application
Annual fertilizer application should be programmed on the basis of nitrogen replacement on
the potential yield.
Nitrogen ratio = Total Nitrogen for cycle/ Total yield×100%
or
Nitrogen ratio = Total Nitrogen for 12 months/ Total yield×100%
22
Based on this schedule 60% of Nitrogen should be applied during first half of the year. Nitrogen
ratio would be around 12:1 for VP tea and 10:1 for seedling tea. The minimum Nitrogen
applicable for pruned VP tea in the year of pruning would be 180 Kg/ha/year.
Nitrogen replacement schedule as follows in table 2.8.
Table 2.8 Nitrogen Replacement Schedule
Potential yield (made tea Kg/ha,year) Nitrogen requirement (Kg/ha,year)
Less than 900 90
900-1300 140
1300-1500 160
1500-1700 180
1700-1900 200
1900 – 2000 220
2000 – 2500 270
2500 – 3000 320
3000 – 3500 360
2.5.1.2 Nursery Mixtures
T 65 MAP (Mono-ammonium phosphate) and T 65 DAP (Di- ammonium phosphate) mixtures
are used for nursery.
2.5.1.3 Immature Tea Mixtures
Fertilizers mixture T 200 is recommended for immature tea, from the time of planting in the
field to the commencement of plucking (1st and 2nd year after planting).
T 750 fertilizer mixture is recommended commencement of plucking to first prune.
2.5.1.4 Mature Tea Mixtures
After the 1st pruning Urea based mixtures are recommended for mature tea fields. These
mixtures are varying according to the region and whether the plants are VP or seedling teas.
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TRI recommended ST/UVA 435 for seedling and VP/UVA 945 for VP Seedling teas. TRI
recommended ST/UVA 435 for seedling and VP/UVA 945 for VP teas in UVA region.
2.5.1.5 Special Fertilizer Mixture
(a) Mother Bushes Mixtures
T 200 Fertilizers mixture which is recommended for immature tea is recommended for
fertilizing to mother bushes also.
(b) Rehabilitation Grasses Mixture
U 625 mixture is recommended for fertilizing rehabilitation grass.
2.5.1.6 Dolomite Recommendation
Optimum pH range is essential for better growth of tea. So the ideal pH range is between 4.5
and 5.5. Soil pH should checked prior to every prune and prior to rehabilitate the land and
depending on the pH recommended the dolomite dosage.
2.5.1.7 Foliar Application
Urea, Zink, Sulphate of Potash and Manganese Sulphate are applied as foliar spraying.
2.6 Draining
Draining or construction of drains is recommended to conserve the top soil in a tea
land. The objectives of draining is to minimize soil erosion and increase the retention
of rain water.
2.6.1 Desilting
Once in a pruning cycle in Uva region at the time of tipping after pruning the lateral drains can
be de-silted. Soil should be spread 2-3 tea rows above the lateral drain and should not be done
below.
2.7 Forking
Forking is another important agronomic practice in tea plantation. With the time soilin field is
getting compacted because of various reasons like frequent movement of workers toperform
24
harvesting, use of machineries, raining. This may be caused for reduction of yield. To overcome
this problem loosening the soil is very much important. But due to cost, factor this operation
also limited to B category fields. There are two types of forking methods used in tea plantation.
They are ‘Deep forking’ and ‘Envelop forking’. Deep forking was practiced.
2.8 Weeding
Weed can be defined as a plant which is unwanted and grown in unwanted place. Weeds could
interfere with the growth of tea by competing with light, nutrients and water thus leading to
low the productivity, but sometimes they act as a ground cover to conserve the soil in a positive
manner. However 5 – 9 % and 5 – 11 % yield losses can be occur in vegetatively propagated
and seedling tea respectively due to weeds.
2.8.1 Characteristics of Weeds
Most of the weeds have the ability to grow and thrive in different ecological conditions. They
reproduce sexually by seeds and vegetatively by stem cuttings, roots, leaves, rhizomes, tubers,
comes, runners, stolon, etc. They can tolerant inconvenient climatic conditions also.
2.8.2 Methods of Weed Management
2.8.2.1 Manual Method
This may be either hand pulling or slash weeding. This is a costly operation but safer than any
other method. Scraper or mamotee is restricted to protect the top soil in tea land. The labour
requirement is high.
2.8.2.2 Cultural and Ecological Methods of Control
The objective of using cultural and ecological methods is to enable the quick establishment of
proper ground cover to suppress the growth of weeds. There are several practices to achieve
these method such as, use of suitable mulching materials such as Mana and Guatemala grass,
adoption of all possible measures to encourage the early development of frames in the tea bush,
infilling the vacant patches, planting of green manure crops.
25
2.8.2.3 Chemical Method
This process is easy, economical and cause fewer disturbances to the top soil than the manual
weeding. Herbicides should apply at a dull weather condition and avoid adverse weather
conditions like rain, wind and hot sun. Time of spraying is important to effective weed control.
2.8.2.4 Integrated Weed Management
Integrated Weed Management is use of two or more than two above mentioned techniques to
control weeds.
2.9 Tea Manufacturing
Tea is manufactured by processing the young shoots of the tea plant. The most important
compounds in the fresh tea flush are the polyphenols. Those chemicals undergo series of
chemical changes during black tea manufacturing. The younger leaves have more
concentration of enzymes than the coarser leaves. Therefore younger leaves are ideal for
manufacturing of good black tea.
Followings basic steps of black tea manufacturing as follows, withering, rolling, roll breaking,
fermentation, drying, grading and packing.
Mainly there are two types of black tea manufacturing processes in Sri Lanka. There are
1. Orthodox tea manufacturing
2. Rotorvane tea manufacturing
Above basic steps are involved in both processes with some variation and use of different type
of machineries.
2.9.1 Orthodox manufacture
2.9.1.1 Withering
Withering is an important practice for reduce the moisture content of the leaves. Physical and
chemical changes can be happen to the leaves in withering period. Withering period and
26
hygrometer differences are the most important parameters to consider. This period can be
depend on the weather condition leaf standard and spreading thickness.
Troughs are used to spread the leaves. Sometimes condition air is used to accelerate the
evaporation rate and remove the surface moisture. Green leaves should be uniformly spread
over the troughs and also turning over once or twice within the withering period according to
the weather and leaf condition to gain even wither. As follows several techniques are used to
check the proper withering condition.
After forming a ball from the leaves it should not loosen
When press the thumb in to the leaf the finger print should in it
Stalk of the shoot should not break when it bent.
Hygrometer difference maintains at 7 0 F and withering temperature should not exceed 85 – 90
0 F.
2.9.1.2 Rolling and Roll Breaking
Charging the rollers with withered leaves was experienced. Machinery details, Rolling process,
Proper twisted stage and dhool conditions were observed. The purpose of rolling is to break up
the leaf cells to mix the chemical constituents. Orthodox rollers are used to roll the leaves.
Different types of cone and battens are used to facilitate twisting of leaves. A rolling
programme was created and that badge was followed.
Roller breaking machines, mesh sizes and the differences among dhools were observed. The
main objectives of roll breaking are separated dhools from rolled leaves; prevent over
fermentation of dhools, to cool the bulk of leaf and breaking of lumps.
2.9.1.3 Fermentation
The fermentation reactions start as soon as the leaf is damaged. The objective of fermenting is
to bring about necessary chemical changes which will result in the development of liquor color,
liquor taste, and flavor and leaf color. The thickness of the dhoolsspreaded usually about 2”.
27
But it may vary according to the relative humidity of the environment. The hygrometric
difference is about 2-3 0F. The fermenting period is about 1-2 hours.
2.9.1.4 Firing
Drying should be done for arresting fermentation and drying the tea to 3.0 % moisture. Endless
chain pressure driers (ECP driers) are used to drying tea. Inlet air temperature of the ECP is 88
- 910 C and exhaust temperature is 49 - 54 0 C.
2.9.1.5 Sifting and Grading
Separation of made tea particles into various shapes and sizes according to the trade
requirement, size reduction of oversized particles as it form more acceptable grades with a
cleaning activity of grades are done at the sifting and grading section. 3T, super 3T, Fibro mate
are used to clean and Michie, Middleton bubble tray, Winnower, Chota machines are assisted
with separation activity.
Total shifting process was studied to the given shifting programme, meanwhile the identifying
of different tea grades.
2.9.1.6 Packing Operation
There are two type of sacks used in factory,
1. Paper sacks for packing of broken and off grades
2. Container sacks for packing of wiry grades
2.9.1.7 Tea Tasting
Tea tasting should be done by experienced tea taster to identify whether there is going any
wrong in the manufacturing procedure. Tea tasters are checked mainly appearance, Infusion
and Liquor of the made tea. These are several terms they used, such as
Appearance – black, Bold, Brownish, Choppy, Even, Flaky, Grainy, Grey, Irregular, Leafy,
Liquor – Baky, Body, Brassy, Bright, Character, Corse, Coloury.
28
Infusion - Bright, Coppery, Dark or Dull, Greenish, Mixed or Uneven.
2.9.2 Tea Manufacture – Rotorvane
Rotorvane type tea is mainly producing for obtain high percentage of broken grades and quality
manufacturing at special quality season.
2.9.2.1 Withering
In Rotorvane tea processing type, leaves were flakier than orthodox processing type. 45 %
wither is maintained to avoid the wastage of juices due to heavy maceration in the rotorvane.
All the other activities are handled same as the Pure Orthodox tea manufacturing.
2.9.2.2 Rolling and Roll Breaking
Orthodox rollers are used to preconditioning the leaves. Important of precondition is to rupture
the cells and mix the oxidisable matter. Then pre-conditioned leaves are charged into 8 inch
rotorvane. Usually a rotovane consists with a feed hopper, feed worm, 40 resisters, 9 vanes and
end plate. Generally rotary roll breakers are used for roll breaking in orthodox type of
manufacturing and No.6 and No.7 meshes were used where particle size is small than orthodox.
2.9.2.3 Fermentation
Fermentation activities are related to the pure Orthodox tea manufacturing.
2.9.2.4 Firing
The tempest dryers are used for drying process with an inlet temperature of 105 °C and exhaust
temperature of 65 °C. Puff particles and dust are removed using a cyclone. The firing order is
as 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 4thdhools and finally the big bulk.
2.9.2.5 Sifting and Grading
There is not much variation than the orthodox process. There is one and only difference. That
is producing small number of grades. No. 10, 12, 16, 24 and 30 meshes are used in Chota, while
the bubble tray sizes of Myddleton are 1/8 and 3/16. Within the expected broken grades, main
29
grades and off grades were observed. As main grades - Pekoe, Broken Orange Pekoe, Broken
Orange Pekoe Fannings, and Dust - 1 and as off grades – Broken Mix, Finnings, Dust – 2 were
observed. After the grading process they were passed through the winnower and send to the
packing section. Activities related to the sifting, packing and dispatching are same as the Pure
Orthodox manufacturing.
Moisture content at the dryer mouth and at the packing was examined using the moisture teller
which should be 3 % and 5 – 6 % respectively.
2.10 Maintenance of Estate Records
2.10.1 Estate Record Books
Name of the
Book
Details
Tea book All the details from the field to factory are included.
Check roll book Worker wage details are included.
Stock books All the available stocked goods details are included.
Yield books All the details of yield fertilizer, pruning cycles in each divisions are
included.
Bin card Total weight of each grades in the bin are included.
Dispatch book Dispatched grades, broker details are included.
Amalgamation The book which included all the check roll details of entire field.
Goods received
book
All the details about received goods like manure, machineries are
included.
Worker register All the details of each and every worker and records their day to day
details which help to work out worker wages.
Table 2.9 Estate Record Books and Their Inclusion
30
Budget book Mainly budget estimate on crop, revenue from made tea, total
expenditures and profit on sale of made tea. Based on estimation next
year works are carried out.
Check List Records details like date, EPF No, name, task and time duration of
task which need for check rolling.
Staff Register All details related to staff members are included. In order to work out
staff salary.
Vehicle running
book
Vehicle running details are included.
Requisition book All the required goods details can be included in this book.
2.11 Welfare Activities
At the initial stage, health and sanitary conditions of estate community was not at sufficient
condition. They just stayed in the estate and not mixed with the other communities. Their health
and sanitary condition were poor and also they used to deliver their babies in their own
residence with greater risk of maternity and child deaths. Line residences with small space
resulted to spread any diseases within short time. Infants and children have to be in the field
with their parent until they finished their duty. Gradually after linking with “Janawasama” they
recruited and trained workers on health and sanitary. Estate medical assistant and midwife are
the responsible body for health condition of estate community, while plantation family welfare
supervisor and creche attendants are responsible for sanitary conditions and child development
of estate community. The Plantation family welfare supervisor is responsible to change
dependent mentality of estate workers, line maintenance, co-operative services, toilet and
sanitary services, health and education programme.
31
Table 2.10: Responsibilities of the Welfare Staffs
Staff Member Responsibilities
Estate Medical
Assistant
Issuing medicines as necessary
Cure patients and direct them to the hospital as needed
Consulting regarding sanitary issues
Midwife
Take care on pregnant mother’s pre delivery, delivery
and post-delivery.
Infant and child conservation.
Counseling on family planning, oral health,
environmental health and youth health.
Plantation family
welfare supervisor
Change dependent mentality of estate workers.
Line maintenance, co-operative services, toilet and
sanitary services, health and education programme.
Creche attendant
Taking care of children who need a protection
Counseling for parent
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3.0 CHAPTER 03
PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED AND SUGGESTIONS
Low productivity
Skillfulness of labors are low. Most of the labors are not aware about their particular task.
Suggestion
Training programmes should be conducted to the farmers by the plantation extension officers.
Their knowledge and experience about a particular operation should be checked before
employing them for operation.
Low productive seedling tea
Most of the tea fields are low productive seedling and some of them are more than hundred
years in age.
Suggestion
High yielding tea varieties should be replaced.
Worker scarcity
Labours are enter to the urban areas for searching some other employments. The younger
generations in estate sector do not like to work in estate.
Suggestion
The attitude of the community about the work in estate should be changed and should
encourage rural Sinhalese people to join the estate. The estate should be mechanized such as
using conveyers, motorize pruning etc.
High cost of production
High cost of production for worker wages, maintenance, electricity and transportation.
Suggestion
The high cost for the worker wages can be reduced by the mechanization of plucking, pruning,
uprooting, etc.
33
4.0 CHAPTER 04
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The four week field training program conducted with the resource endowment of Balangoda
Plantations PLC was successful in conclusion. Being undergraduates following a specialized
course as Tea technology and Value Addition, it is of paramount importance to get hands on
experience in the field activities rather than adhering only to theories. Experience gained during
the training programme will be highly useful for the students in their career life.
Besides, this training programme helped us realize the value of team work. Punctuality was a
must in every activity, therefore it indirectly trained us to understand the worth of the time. The
four week training programme was highly beneficial to us in multiple ways.
34
REFERENCES
A.K.N.ZOYSA, 2008, Hand book on Tea, Tea research institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle.
E.L.Keegel, 1983, Monograph on Tea Production In Ceylon, No .4, Tea Manufacturing in
Ceylon, 2nd edition. Reprinted, Tea research institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle.
Tea research institute of Sri Lanka, Annual Report, 2008
V.S. Sidhakaran, Chemical Control of Tea Pests, Tea research institute of Sri Lanka,
Talawakelle.
W.W.D. Modder, Editor, 2003, Twentieth century tea research in sri Lanka, Tea research
institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle.
35
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Terminologies in Plucking
Tamil Term Meaning
Arimbu Younger generations of shoots
Wangi A dormant shoot
Mudichchi A clump of shoots and stalks
Ulkolundu Shoots below the plucking table
Araela Half or damaged leaves
Karattala Mature single leaf
Kambu Remaining stalk particles above leaf (Internodes)
Pakkavadu Side branches
Matta varichchi Leveling stick