Facelift for Raigamkorala tea factory

The Raigamkorala tea factory will be developed into a model tea factory under a ten-year development plan for the tea industry, said Plantation Industries Minister D. M. Jayaratne. Measures will be taken to improve the quality of tea leaves, and raise awareness among suppliers of the minimum level of water in tea leaves.

Manufacturers have been cautioned about the 40 percent damage caused while transporting and the need to use plastic bags. The tea factory will be developed to follow Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards after the development plan is implemented.

Over 50 per cent of the production will be value added tea which will bring more foreign exchange to the country than black tea. Modernisation of the factory conforming to the HACCP standards and the importance of producing quality tea will be discussed at a meeting to be held with 14 unions.

(CM)