Spice sorrows

• Council calls for govt. intervention on a slew of issues, says production can increase by 50%, plans to launch pepper brand

By Uditha Jayasinghe
The spice industry yesterday urged the government to resolve a slew of issues to increase productivity and promote the sector.
Spice Council Chairman Sarada de Silva making his address at the annual general meeting insisted that it is possible to increase production by 50% through agronomic practices.

Spice Council President Sarada de Silva chats with Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa at the Annual General Meeting whilst , Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishard Bathudeen and Deputy Minister of Justice Reginold Cooray are also present – Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

Trade Minister Rishad Bathiudeen was the Guest of Honour while Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa attended as Chief Guest.
In the first half of 2011 value added exports, mainly essential oils have increased by 157%, cinnamon by 81% and overall spices by 32% in value.
He pointed out that theft on spice plantations is a grave problem. Terming it ‘organised robbery’ he urged for the laws to punish offenders to be amended so that they are charged at least ten times the stolen crop. It should also be a non-bailable offence. At present offenders are charged as little as Rs. 500.
“A 40 foot container of spices can earn the country Rs. 20 million. So this gives some idea of how badly an industry can be affected when thieves not only steal spices but destroy the crop as well,” he said.
De Silva went onto say that the cardamom crop has been suffering under a thrips attack for the last three years. He urged for the Department of Export Agriculture to take a greater initiative in researching for a solution.
“We face severe shortage of labour. India can bring in labour from Bangladesh and Burma. ASEAN countries can get people from Indonesia, Cambodia and Burma. Where do we get our employees? What do we do? We send our women as housemaids to make as little as US$ 150, which they can make in their own villages. We propose that the government does not allow anyone to go overseas for employment for less than US$ 250 or more.”
The Council is establishing a Cinnamon Trading Academy with assistance from the World Trade Organisation. This will train stakeholders in all aspects of the industry. They have requested five hectares from the government to establish a cinnamon plantation for practical training. The Council is also looking at ways to mechanise the industry so that it can function on less labour.
“Non- availability of land for commercial agriculture is a big problem. The government gives massive tracts of land to foreign investors but ignores local businesses,” he charged adding that the botanical name of cinnamon must also be protected.
As part of its value addition measure the industry is exploring the option of promoting cinnamon as a cure for diabetes. They are also concentrating on branding pepper after the successful launch of “Pure Ceylon Cinnamon” brand last month.
He also asked the government to prevent foreign companies entering Sri Lanka through legal loopholes to engage in value additions, thus taking business from local companies.  Minister Bathiudeen expressed his support in assisting the industry in a short speech.