Tea Technology and Value Addition Degree Programme ( TEA)
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Item Adoption of Machinery in Tea Cultivation and Management by Tea Small Holders in Kalutara District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Karunathilaka, U.M.Use of machinery is a vital investment to enhance the productivity and overall performance of the tea industry. It is considered to be a better solution for the problems of labor shortage and high cost of production. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting the adoption level of machinery. This study was conducted using 154 tea small holders in Kalutara district. The sample for the research study was selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and interviewing the tea small holders at their residences. Dara were analyzed descriptively and using regression models. According to the results of the descriptive analysis, overall adoption level is 12.73%. Small holders have higher adoption regarding pruning machine (29.22%) and TRI selective tea harvester (20.13%) while lower adoption on Holing machine (7.14%), Fuel operated plucking machine (5.19%) and Battery operated plucking machine (1.95%).The tobit regression analysis revealed that Farming experience, Gender, use of Family labor, Information by TM, Owned land and Yield positively affect the adoption level while Educational level of the fanner, Age of the farmer and Time spending in the tea land negatively affect the adoption level of machinery. Therefore, more attention should be given on these significant variables for find the appropriate strategies for increasing the adoption level on machinery by tea small holders in the study area. Awareness programs on machineries should be arranged frequently to improve the knowledge and awareness of the tea small holders in Kalutara district. Key words: Adoption level of machineries, Tea small holding sector, Plucking machines, Pruning machine, Holing machineItem The Affiliation Between Marketing Mix Variables and Tea Purchase Intention in Local Retail Market with Special Reference to Western Province, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Lunuwila, H.L.D.T.The tea sector has the potential to contribute considerably to the economic development of Sri Lanka. The production and manufacturing of black tea are of higher importance in this regard. Moreover, in a competitive market arena, the way the product is presented to the customer is also noteworthy. The study of people's behavior in purchasing tea was examined by the researcher as to the relationship in the marketing mix variables. The marketing mix is tied up with every product. Although the question is how marketing mix influences on purchase intention of black tea consumers in the local market. This research paper proposes a framework of the influence on purchase intention of black tea consumers. This research is conducted to show the relationship between the marketing mix, socioeconomic status, and purchase intention of black tea consumers. However, in this study, a detailed analysis of the intention of purchasing tea in Sri Lanka was presented. This research also provided an overview and suggestions on the use of the marketing mix (4Ps) strategies. The research analysis is based on 300 supermarket customer responses that were collected from October 2019 November 2019 by those who consumed black tea in the western province. Appropriate supermarkets were selected using the judgmental sampling technique while consumers were taken using the convenient sampling technique. Primary data were collected by administrated structured questionnaire among the respondents in the sample. The results have been collected from the questionnaires done by the people who consumed black tea in the western province. Moreover, new product launches, business firms, and existing and potential marketers can increase more effectiveness of consumer expectations, increase customer base and grow the business in the tea production industry using marketing strategies to satisfy customer needs and wants. Keywords: Black Tea, Buyer Decision Making, Marketing Mix, Purchase Amount, Purchase IntentionItem Analysis of Alternative Marketing Strategies for Ceylon Tea(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Kottahachchi, S.M.Tea is considered to be the one of most important agribusiness in the country as a one of highest net foreign exchange earners. Sri Lankan tea industry is in very crucial situation due to some problems in present primary marketing systems via auction system, private sales, direct sales and forward contracts. This study develops with the aim of formulation of alternative strategies to improve primary marketing system for Ceylon tea. 70 manufactures were taken for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select number of manufactures among 24 plantation companies. That research framework has three major phase which includes the input phase, comparison and correspondence phase and decision making phase. As the first phase SWOT analysis has been applied to examine Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and threats existing on the primary marketing strategies that they are already using. To overcome the research objectives identified SWOT factors were calculated using IFE and EFE matrixes and during input phase all the required information's were evaluated. In comparison phase, based on external factors and internal factors, some evaluations serious were adjusted on assumptions by using SWOT matrix and 15 Strategies were formulated based on marketing channels. Finally during that decision making phase Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was evaluated and identified 15 strategies were prioritized. Overall score for IFE is 3.57 and for EFE are 3.52. Major strategies that are prioritized based on QSPM are to promote direct private sales and export directly from production sector. Keywords: Primary marketing, Strategies, IFE and EFE matrix, SWOT, QSPMItem Analysis of Antioxidant Properties of Crude Proteins from Black Tea and Green Tea of Uva Region in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Fernando, W.C.S.The consumption of tea has gained much attention due to its antioxidant potential. Tea polyphenols are believed to be the major contributor. However, proteins can also act as powerful antioxidants and there are few scientific reports on crude tea proteins' anti- oxidant properties. Tea proteins contribute around 21-28% dry weight of tea. Uva is one of the most top tea growing region in Sri Lanka with distinguishable flavour characteristics. This study was focused on investigation of antioxidant properties of crude tea extract of green and black tea collected from Uva region. Black and green tea samples were collected from selected tea factories representing Uva high and Uva mid regions. Crude extract was obtained using hot water treatment with different temperatures (30°C and 40°C) in 2hrs followed with lyophilisation. Extracted crude was elucidated using 15% SDS-PAGE and quantification was done using Lowry method for proteins. Lyophilized crude extract was tested for antioxidant activity using DPPH and Fe2+ chelating assays. According to protein yield analysis, approximately 40% in green tea and 30% in black tea was observed (40°C series) in lyophilised powder. As with the assays Uva teas have maximum of 95.33% inhibition of DPPH radical at 10 mg/ml solution which obtained by 1 g of made tea, using water extraction method. It shows significant difference in protein concentration between black and green teas in prepared 30°C and 40°C series (p<0.05). There is no any difference between crude extract powder yield between the temperatures used for the extraction procedure (p>0.05). Uva teas showed antioxidant properties in DPPH assay but negative results in Fe chelating assay. However, there is no significance difference in levels of elevation, type of tea and temperature in % inhibition of DPPH radicals in Uva teas. Further studies need to be done with other antioxidant assays to determine the antioxidant property of Uva tea. Key wards: Uva tea, Green tea, Black tea, Crude Protein, Antioxidant activityItem Analysis of Chemical and Physical Quality Standard of Rework Black Tea(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jeyandran, J.In recent years, there was quality claims regarding quality of tea in tea bags. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of rework black tea on chemical and physical quality changes during tea bag production. The quality of rework black tea bags at Heladiv Exports (Pvt) Ltd. was accessed by physical and chemical analysis. The objective of the study was to reveal the quality defects of rework black tea and their effects on quality of black tea to those who are engage in tea exporting and marketing sector in Sri Lanka. Significant variations in physical and chemical parameters were observed. The Sri Lankan Tea industry maintains the highest quality in the world market and ISO 3720 is the minimum standard applied for the products. The Processing/Manufacturing facilities owned by the export companies comply with local standards (SLSI) and with International Quality Standards. There were already national regulations on tea was given tolerances of foreign elements found in tea. The normal tea manufacturing process was removed most of the separate pieces which were not tea. From the consumer's point of view, therefore, it was the impurities within, or firmly attached to the individual leaves which were important. In the case of a temporary over supply of tea, low quality will be ignord by buyers anyway. The rework process facility must have a written program showing how a recall of unsuitable product could be executed. Traceability was important, and the program needs to address handling of rework and returns. Thiry tea bag samples which were produced from rework black tea at Heladiv Exports (Pvt) Ltd. were selected for the study. Rework black tea samples were collected from the exporting company of Heladiv Lanka Exports (Pvt) Ltd. at the beginning of the research. Quality parameters were checked to these samples. They were tested for selected chemical quality parameters such as moisture content, total ash content, water soluble ash content, alkalinity of water soluble percentage, acid insoluble ash content, water extract percentage and physical quality parameters such as total dust content in rework tea and different sizes of tea particles. Data was analysed using descriptive and one sample t-test. The results show that, the significant effects for changes of quality parameters of moisture content and foreign impurities in rework black tea. Key words: Quality claims, Rework black tea, Physical and chemical analysis, Health and safety regulationsItem Analysis of Chemical Properties and A-Amylase Inhibition of Selected Medicinal Plants for the Development Of Herbal Tea; With special reference to Cardiospermum halicacabum, Acalypha indica, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Solanum trilobatum, and Plectranthus amboinicus(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Usna, J.F.Herbal medicines are widely used around the world because of their safety, health benefits and very less or no side effects. Further, it's known that, herbs have high content of bioactive compounds which are produced in plants through secondary metabolism. From the ancient time, the natural remedies in Siddha medicine are used to cure the non-contagious diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes and Asthma etc. However, young generation is reluctant towards herbal remedies as there are not much scientific evidences to prove their benefits. The present study attempted to identify the Chemical properties and a-Amylase Inhibition of selected herbs namely Solanum trilobatum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Acalypha indica and Plectranthus amboinicus and intents to develop herbal tea. Selected herbs were dried in an oven for 12 hours at 50°C and infusions were prepared by boiling 1-5 g of dried sample in 100 ml of distilled water. Infusions were tested for their Antioxidant properties using DPPH (1, 1-dipheny1-2-picrylhydrazyl) Radical Scavenging Assay and a- Amylase Inhibition using Dinitrosalicylic Acid Method and finally IC5o value was also determined. The highest level of Antioxidant Activities has been observed in Cardiospermum halicacabum (7.7 mg mrl)while it's also having maximum a-Amylase Inhibition Activity (45.5 mg m1-1). Hence, sensory evaluation was done to select the best sample for consumption (a: 0.05) and it was subjected to the chemical analysis. The phytochemical analysis confirmed that all these leaf infusions contain in between the range of Anthocyanin (0.3339±0.2361-8.4051±0.7935 mg dm-3), Polyphenol (115.2398±2.4615- 236.6486±0.3815 mg dm-3), Free Sugar (24.6727±0.5839-788.8590±34.7578 mg dm-3). Accordingly, there is a potential to develop the herbaftea by using these five herbs. Keywords: a-Amylase Inhibition, Anti-oxidant, Free Sugar, Phytochemicals, Siddha medicineItem ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING FOR TEA BUYERS' LEVEL OF TRUST ON TEA BROKERS(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) RATHNAYAKA, L.P.The tea sector in Sri Lanka has always been a vital component of the economy. Contribution of Tea Industry to national GDP is approximately around 2 percent. Tea industry is the second largest export income generator in Sri Lanka. Ceylon tea trade possesses some key actors which determine the trading process. Almost 95 percent of total tea sales in Sri Lanka take place through the auction. In the Auction system, four segments are mainly involved as Sellers, Warehouse keepers, Brokers and Buyers. The most important concept to carry out the auction system is trust. The trust between buyer and broker plays a major role in the marketing process of tea and it will enhance the relationship between those two. Trust demonstrates itself in all stages of a relationship from setting up, developing and maintaining through long term. The study was aimed to assess the factors affecting for buyers' level of trust on tea brokers and to identify the major factors affect on buyers' trust. This study was mainly based on the primary data gathered from tea buyers who are regularly purchasing tea through the auction. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire which consist eleven main questions. Random sample of 70 tea buyers were selected and analyzed through Ordinal Logistic Regression and Descriptive Statistics using SPSS software, Minitab and Microsoft excel. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to determine the frequencies and to perform graphs. Ordinal logistic regression was used to find out the relationship between the trust level and explanatory variables. According to the results of descriptive statistics highest trust level that tea buyers had given was level 8. As a percentage, it was 28.6 percent of buyers. The_least number of buyers had given the trust level as level 10 which explained 1.4 percent. The mean value of the trust level was 6.71. From eight factors which were considered, the Ordinal Logistic Regression reveals that frequency of telephone calls, taking immediate solutions for conflicts, interpersonal relationships, efficiency of services were positively significant for tea buyers' level of trust. Key words: Tea, Auction, Trust, Tea Buyers, Tea Brokers, RelationshipItem ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO ESTABLISH SPECIFIC ELECTRICAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR TEA FACTORIES IN SRI LANKA(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) UDAYANGANI, W.A.S.Tea industry is undoubtedly one of the most important industries with a substantial contribution to the national economy in Sri Lanka. Tea industry utilizes energy in the forms of thermal energy and electrical energy for its tea manufacturing process requirements. Analyze values that can be used as standard values for the comparing performance of industries, process, systems or equipments is essential to set the corresponding achievements. Average value, best value and baseline for electrical energy consumption for tea industry is a vital because the specific electricity consumption in terms of kWh per one kilogram of made tea is a good measure of understanding the effectiveness of electricity utilization in the tea industry. This research contributes to calculate the specific electrical energy consumption for tea factories in Sri Lanka because the calculated value of the specific energy consumption between the tea factories has large variation. There are 642 tea factories are operated in Sri Lanka. These tea factories are situated in up country, mid country and low country respectively. From those tea factories 50 tea factories are taken as the sample size. From the above sample size about 25 tea factories' data are collected from up country/ mid country tea factories and other 25 tea factories' data collected from low country tea factories. Questionnaire survey was carried out for collecting relevant data from the tea factories and gathered information on monthly and annual made tea production (kg) and monthly and annual electricity consumption (kWh). Specific electrical energy consumption (kWh per kilogram of made tea) was the calculated data. Minitab software system was used to fmd out the best performance among a group of tea factories. The calculated average value was 0.7856 kWh per one kilogram of made tea for specific electrical energy consumption and it is named as the baseline of specific electrical energy consumption. The best case of the specific electrical energy consumption is 0.4 kWh per one kilogram of made tea. This calculated baseline for the specific electrical energy consumption allows the tea factories to know precisely where their operation ranks in relation to a direct competitor, further allowing it to identify major performance gap that need to be addressed through improved energy efficiency. Key words: baseline, best value, specific electrical energy consumption, tea productionItem ANALYZE THE DROUGHT IN LOW ELEVATION TEA AREAS AND EVALUATE OF IRRIGATION AS A TOOL OF DROUGHT MITIGATION(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) SAJEEWANI, R.A.D.S.In low elevation tea growing areas of Sri Lanka, drought causes significant yield reductions and sometimes death of tea plants during the comparatively short dry period between January and March. One prominent feature associated with drought is the high ambient temperature which sometimes research more than 33°C. Also tea plant is most vulnerable to climate changes and associated drought conditions, when compared with other perennial crops in Sri Lanka. A research was carried out to investigate the drought low elevation tea growing areas with following objectives: Analyze the drought in low grown tea (Rathnapura district) and evaluate the feasibility of irrigation as a tool of low grown tea industry. Identify the yield gain via irrigation and yield gain differences of both (TRI 2023/ TRI 3025) tea cultivars, financial evaluation of cultivars base on the incensement for low country We extracted the yield data from a long term irrigation experiment, conducted by Tea Research Institute and analyze the response of low grown tea for the irrigation. TRI 2023/ TRI 3025 were used for this long term experiment. Identify the most significant metrological parameter(s) affecting drought, by doing a simple regression analysis and multiple regression analysis by using Minitab 15 software and identify the most significant factor comparing P values. Identified the relationship between metrological parameters and irrigated and Rain fed yield by doing Co relation analysis. Evaluate the feasibility of irrigation by doing a Two Sample way T Test. Financial evaluation was performed to identify which cultivar has most significant effect based on incensement of yield via irrigation. Maximum temperature is the most significant individual variable affecting yields for both TRI 2023 and TRI 3025, Multivariable (T Max + RF + Sunshine hours+ T min) P value 0.008 for TRI 2023 and P value 0.000 for TRI 3025. Based on Two way T test, there was a significant yield difference between irrigated and rain-fed yields of both TRI 2023 And TRI 3025 (P value less than 0.05). Based on the yield incensement rate because of irrigation TRI 2023 is most suitable when comparing TRI 3025. Key wards- Drought, Irrigation, Mitigation, Cultivars, Drought susceptibleItem Antagonistic Effect of Trichoderma Spps. Against Fungal Strains Isolated from Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaves(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Justus, N.Tea plant is attacked by a number of pests and diseases, which is the major limiting factor in crop productivity. A majority of tea diseases are of fungal origin. Diseases in leaves are more important due to the obvious reason that tea plant is cultivated for its young succulent leaves. The frequent use of chemical fungicides used to control causative pathogens leads to environmental pollution, is hazardous to human and may leads to development of new chemical resistant pathogenic strains. Ecofriendly, economical and sustainable, biological control organisms can be an alternative to fungicides. Trichoderma species are the most widely studied bio control agent against many economically important plant pathogens. Hence, an attempt was made to investigate the antagonistic effect of Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum strains on six fungal strains isolated from diseased tea leaves. Pestalotia spp, Phomopsis spp, Curvularia spp, two types of Colletotrichum spp were identified at their genera level based on the cultural characteristic and reproductive characteristics. Eventhough Phomopsis spp, Curvularia spp were isolated from tea leaves, those are not categorized as foliar pathogens. Trichoderma strains were tested under in vitro conditions for their antagonistic effects against six isolated fungi by dual culture test. Inhibition rates were calculated by using the equation described by Vincent and Budge. The results obtained from dual culture tests showed the inhibition rate of Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum as 63.41 % to 79.76%, 75.75 % to 88.88%, and 73.11% to 82.51% respectively. In conclusion, all the tested Trichoderma strains showed more than 50% of antagonistic effects against foliar fungal Pathogens under investigation. Biocontrol agent Trichoderma spp. were effective against tested fungal stains. Further study is required to confirm field applicability of Trichoderma spp. against tested fungal strains. Keywords: Antagonistic Effect, Bio Control Agents, Dual Culture Test, Plant Pathogen, Trichoderma sppItem ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Camellia sinensis LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST WOUND PATHOGENIC BACTERIA(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) SILVA, P.M.D.Medicinal plants have been a major source of therapeutic agents for alleviation and cure diseases. Tea is a product made from the leaf of the plant called "Camellia sinensis" which is one of the most ancient and popular therapeutic beverages consumed around the world. It can be prepared as a drink, which can have many systemic health effects or an "extract" can be made from the leaves to use as medicine. In the present investigation comparative analysis for the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracted Camellia sinensis fresh leaves against wound pathogenic bacteria were carried out. The antimicrobial activity of the tea leaf extract was analyzed by using paper disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration. Efficacy of the antibiotic activity of the tea leaf extract against wound pathogenic bacteria compare to the commercially available antibiotic called "Providone iodine" was analyzed. The experiment revealed the tea leaf extract has significance antibacterial power than the synthetic Providone iodine. Tea leaf extract indicated antibacterial susceptibility for all five most common wound pathogenic bacteria while Providone iodine indicated intermediate resistance to Gram positives and resistance to Gram negatives. Specially, the experiment ascertained tea leaf extract required less MIC value (0.008 mg/ ml) to kill Gram negative bacteria than the MIC value required by the Providone iodine 0.02 mg/ ml). Both tea and Providone iodine bared same MIC value (0.004 mg/ ml) for Gram positive wound pathogenic bacteria. This gives credence to tea's ethnopharmacological use as a remedy to treat infections and diseases caused by the test organisms. Therefore, herbal preparations using fresh tea leaf extract as its main ingredient can effectively use as substitute to other medicines in the treatments of wound and infections caused by wound pathogenic bacteria. Keywords: Camellia sinensis, Providone iodine, antimicrobial activity, wound pathogenic bacteria, polyphenols.Item APPLICATION OF CLEANER PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES IN TEA PROCESSING(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) PERERA, H.A.A.U.The increment of Cost of Production (COP) whilst buyer pressure for lower prices is a major constraint for the sustainable growth of tea processing sector in Sri Lanka. Several studies have been done to find effective ways of minimizing COP, however literature do not evidence any use of Cleaner Production, a waste zeroing system. This study was aimed to evaluate the Cleaner Production concept in tea processing sector, as a solution for minimizing COP. Using Telbedde Tea Processing factory as the host, the production process was analyzed to identify possible waste streams and their causes. Using direct measurements and material balance calculations, the waste streams were then quantified. This was done during forty — two days of sample period of time. The quantified wastes were then expressed in terms of their monetary value. Significant waste streams were identified using Pareto Analysis. Control measures for them were suggested using CP philosophy and CP techniques as a guide. According to the findings of this study, both avoidable and unavoidable wastes occur in the tea manufacturing process. The average annual loss of money due to avoidable wastes is Rs. 4233598.32. Significant waste streams which contribute to this monetary loss are Refuse tea (37.82%), Blowout (22.51%), Dryer Spills (18.05%). The possible control measures for these waste streams are good housekeeping, better process controlling and equipment modifications. According to the forecast done using ARIMA model, the material wastes will be either constant or decreasing in the future. For an organization runs with low profits or losses, as in the case of Telbedde estate where losses were obtained in both July and August, implementation of Cleaner Production will increase the productivity and profit. Key Words: Tea Processing Sector, Cost of production, Waste Streams, CP philosophy, CP techniquesItem Application of Mince Machine in Black Tea Production(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Udayanga, S.P.Tea is one of the largest industries in Sri Lanka known as Ceylon Tea around the world. In Sri Lankan black tea manufacture, Orthodox, Rotovane and CTC manufacturing systems predominate in the Tea Industry. The Mincing machine could achieve this in one single process since the screw of the mincer is a variable pitch as such it creates a pressure force at the extruder plate thus causing the juices to come out and coat the leaf surface. At the same time the rotating blade fixed to the screw cuts the leaf before it is extruded out through the extruder plate. This process make the mincer as an ideal solution for making the manufacturing process a continuous operation in comparison to orthodox rolling. However there is a problem with the machine which over heating when continuous processing. The objectives of this study are to produce quality black tea using mince machine in laboratory scale and develop a suitable heat regulation system for the mincing machine to solve the problem of overheating. To regulate unnecessary heat generation two options were used those were cooling with simple water circulation system and cooling with Vaporized liquid Nitrogen. Black teas were produced using the mince machine and evaluated the made tea's Thearubigin and Theaflavin ratio and organoleptic properties. Cooling with liquid nitrogen was effective to retain the organoleptic properties of black tea. Water circulation system was effective for the heat regulation but the method is not suitable to retain the organoleptic characteristics of made tea. Nevertheless, water regulation system is low cost method. Key words- Heat Regulation, Orgonoleptic Properties, Black tea qualityItem Application of Mincing Machine to Manufacture Green Tea(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Jayawardhana, A.D.I.U.Green tea manufacturing process in Sri Lanka is practiced using both panning and steaming methods, which involve a laborious process. Thus food graded mince machine can be adopted in miniature green tea processing in which heat generated due to friction can be utilized in order to inactivate the enzymes. This study was conducted to determine whether the mince machine can produce quality green tea by comparing its quality characteristics with panning method green tea produced commercially in Sri Lanka in small scale production. Green tea manufactured by mince machine and by panning method were evaluated by trained tea tasters. Sensory characteristics evaluated were color, flavor and aroma of liqour, appearance and colour of dry leaf, colour of infused leaf and overall acceptability. Liquor color, and the dry leaf color do not have a significant difference in green tea produced using these methods and the liquor flavor, liquor aroma, infused leaf colour, dry leaf appearance and overall acceptability have a significant differences. Green tea produced by the Panning method is acquired all acceptable quality characteristics on liquor colour, liquor flavor, liquor aroma, dry leaf appearance, dry leaf colour, infused leaf colour and overall acceptability. Green tea manufactured by using mince machine is acceptable quality characteristics on liquor color and the dry leaf color. Non graded green tea can be manufactured by using the food grade stainless steel mince machine, and it can be taken as an alternative rolling machine for the rolling process in green tea production with enzyme deactivation by the heat generated itself in the rolling process. Key Words: Mince Machine, Green Tea, Manufacturing, Quality, Sensory Characteristics.Item AN APPROACH OF ADDING VALUE TO NATURAL GREEN TEA BY DEVELOPING FLAVOURED JELLY (GREEN TEA JELLY)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) DAWSON, STea is a natural beverage which is produced from tender leaves of Camellia sinensis species. Sri Lanka is one of the prime countries which exports Tea from ancient period. Today both the tea suppliers and tea consumers are looking new food products based on tea to dominate the tea market. Hence New product development is one of the Key factors that help to create value addition to the Ceylon Tea. Green Tea is one the most health beneficial beverages. Green Tea has high amount of poly phenols which plays a major role in human health. Though Green Tea is highly benefiacial for the health , green tea consumption is less both in local and International market .Due to bitterness of Green Tea most of the people reluctant to consume green tea. Hence objective of the study is to develop a new product based on Green tea thereby increase the green tea consumption. Flavoured Green Tea Jelly is one of the new attempts that wish to join the product line of the existing tea products. Through this study it was been able to add value to natural green tea by developing three flavoured Green tea (Strawberry, Black current and Apple ) jelly packed as small tea bags by . Under this study three flavoures of green teas are been tested and resulted where all three tea jelly tastes are acceptable (>0.05) and Apple flavoured Green tea jelly was accepted by many of panelists. This product is made of 1.5 g green tea and 12.5 g flavoured Seaweed Extract. This product also having 1.07% (149.85 mg/ GAE) of polyphenol per tea bag where it is similar to the amount of poly phenol that served by one typical green tea bag. This product also can be served as edible mock tail to trendy tea consumers where green tea is in semi solid form and having an instant preparation method. Key Words: Edible mock tail, Green Tea, Jelly, Polyphenol, Value additionItem ASSESING CEYLON TEA PERFORMANCE IN UK MARKET(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) PREMARATHNA, A.P.T.J.As the highest net foreign exchange generator, tea is considered to be the most important agribusiness in the country at present. As far as exports are concerned, Sri Lankan tea industry is in very crucial situation due to facing a problem of losing its grip in the conventional tea market. In this situation during the year 2012, the Sri Lanka tea board Promotional Division made three years Strategic Marketing Plan and identified 25 top target markets for high focused tea promotional activities.UK is a conventional and lost market identified for promotion during global campaign. This Study develops with the aim of formulation of promotional strategies to increase the Ceylon tea performance in UK market. In this study Descriptive Analysis and BCG Matrix were used to identify the market situation and also, SWOT method has been applied to examine and consider to the strengths, Weaknesses, opportunities, and threats existing on the Ceylon tea export to UK. The main objective of this study is to formulate the strategies to increase Ceylon tea performance in UK. First, according to the survey carried out on business and promotional environment, the list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were identified. Second, with the use of questionnaire and an opinion of the tea exporters who exports tea to UK, identified factors and they were summarized and rank to each factor in order to calculate the score of each of these factors and IFE Matrix and EFE matrix obtained. Then using SWOT Matrix Strategies were formulated .Ultimately, using QSPM (Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix) identified strategies were prioritized. Overall score for IFE is 2.68 and for EFE are 2.58. Total 11 strategies were formulated. Among them highest score obtained strategies are, Product diversification regain tea council membership, Niche marketing and premium prizing and Registration of Ceylon tea regional Indications in UK. Key words: Promotion, strategies, IFE and EFE matrix, SWOT, QSPMItem ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF ADAPTION OF RECOMMENDED PRACTICES IN COMMERCIAL TEA NURSERIES(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) SANJEEWA, P.K.D.Nursery management is a most important operation for successful tea cultivation in the field. This study attempted to investigate the level of adaption and knowledge of Tea Research Institute (TRI) recommendations on commercial tea nurseries among tea smallholders in Galle district, Identify whether there is a relationship between adaptations of recommendations with nursery registration in Tea Small Holding Development Authority (TSHDA) and identify the constraints of nursery owners for adapting TRI recommendations on commercial tea nurseries. The study was conducted in the Galle district in 2012 among randomly selected 20 tea nursery holders who have registered their tea nursery in TSHDA and 60 unregistered tea nursery holders. The survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire and by nursery observations. The results revealed that knowledge level and adoption level of unregistered nursery owners were medium among the respondents. However registered nursery owners had high knowledge level and medium adoption level. According to the experts view the standard size of the nursery bag, the length of the nursery period, disbudding and thumb nailing are scored as the most important nursery operations. When consider the standard size of the bag and length of the nursery period the 15% of the registered nursery owners are in full adoption category 25% partial adoption category, 35% less adoption category and 25% nil adoption category. However 25% and 5% registered nursery owners practiced disbudding and thumb nailing respectively. Interestingly all unregistered nursery owners in nil adoption category when consider the standard size of the bag and length of the nursery period. However no any unregistered nursery owners adopt disbudding and thumb nailing. Education level, cost of production, income from the nursery, government employment and registration of the nursery in TSHDA exhibited significant and positive relationship with adoption of recommended practices. The most important constraint experienced by both registered and unregistered farmers is soil collection. Key Words: Adoption Level, Knowledge Level, Registered Tea Nursery Owners, Unregistered Tea Nursery Owners, Tea Small Holding Development AuthorityItem ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENES OF THE PRESENT CATEGORIZATION METHOD OF LOW COUNTRY PREMIUM TEA GRADES(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) HETTIARACHCHI, P.S.The Sri Lanka is the world's fourth largest producer of tea and the industry is one of the country's main sources of foreign exchange and a significant source of income for workers. Tea is accounting for 12% of the GDP, generating roughly $700 million annually. Presently, unique and different tea grades are produced by categorizing those into Select Best, Best, Secondary and Poor, mainly considering the appearance and the experience of the tea brokers. But, there are British standards for the categorization of tea. If, these tea grades are categorized by the brokers show deviations from the standard tea grades, there will be problems, especially at foreign markets. Therefore, a research was conducted to compare the commercially available low grown premium tea grades with the standard tea gradesproduced by Tea Research Institute by using the sieve analysistechnique. Commonly available six tea grades (FBOP, FF1, BOP1, OP, Pekoe, Pekoe 1) under Select Best categoryobtained from Asia Siyaka (Pvt) Ltd were tested against TRI producing same six tea grades with the help of the mechanical shaker.The experimental design was Complete Randomized Design with three replicates. An Endecott sieve and a complete set of 17 B.S. test sieves (BS 410) supplemented with further 3 sieves having apertures larger than No: 4 B.S. test sieve corresponding to aperture sizes of 4(4A/2), 4(4\12)2, and 4(4A/2)3 mm were used in sieve analysis. The obtained results reveal that, there is a considerable difference between the standardgrades and the commonly available tea grades. So, it can be recommended that, the tea categorization should be done scientifically using sieve analysis method rather than practicing experience based method. Key words: Categorization, British Standards, tea grades, sieve analysisItem ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IN SRI LANKAN TEA PLANTATIONS REFERING MANAGEMENT STAFF(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) LINDULA, P.H.K.O.Sri Lanka is a country with an Agricultural economy. The main Plantation crop grown in Sri Lanka is Tea. Sri Lanka holds its position as the World's second largest exporter of Tea accounting for over 300 million Kilograms of annual production. Sri Lankan Tea holds its exquisite position as the World's finest quality Black Tea producer. An organization is nothing without human resources. Therefore, HRM in tea plantation is very essential for survival and success of tea industry. If it is to understand how a tea company should manage its human resources, it is needed to put the problem in HRM perspective. This can best be accomplished by beginning with a review of how the labor force has changed from the past generation. This research was focused on studying the factors effecting for the human resource development of management staff in tea estates. The research was based on a questionnaire survey. Data were collected using a formal questionnaire which was focused on identifying the factors effect on human resource development of management staff in tea estates. The sample size was 51 tea estate superintendents and assistant superintends. According to the results derived following factors have exhibit positive relationship with the human resource development in management staff in tea estates; career training and development, task identity, performance appraisal process, recruitment and selection. While factor feedback has shown negative relationship to the human resource development of management staff in tea estates. Key Words — Human Resources, Human Resource Development, Superintendents, Assistant SuperintendentsItem Assessment of the Field Performance of a New Fertilizer Applicator (Wheel Master) and its Effect on Growth & Yield of Tea (Camellia Sinensis L.)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Jayasundara, R. D. T. K. Y.With the severe labor scarcity experienced by the tea growing sector of Sri Lanka, all tea field operations have been affected. Machines are getting popularized among the tea growers for various field operations. However, fertilizer applicators can hardly be found in the local market designed for tea plantations, because of tea lands have steep slopes, hard soil, and tea is a perennial crop. Newly introduced tea fertilizer applicator (Wheel Master) is a simple and light weight tool which enables deep (3-4 inch) application in mature tea lands. Manual fertilizer is applied following surface broadcasting method. Therefore, the present study was planned to compare manual and mechanical fertilizer 4 applications and their effect on tea growth and yield. The study was carried out at TRI, Low Country Station, Ratnapura with the treatments, T1 - Manual Full application (Control), T2 - Manual Half application, T3 - Applicator Full application, T4 - Applicator Half application (Full application is TRI recommendation i.e. =25 g/bush and Half= 12.5 g/bush)). Experiment was analyzed in Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with two factor factorial with 3 replicates. Total tea yield, shoot compositions of harvest (Counts and weight of 1L, 2L, 3L, 4L, Banji and Damage), Shoot composition of plucking table before harvesting are Counts of Fish, !L, 2L, 3L, 4L, Banji were recorded over a period of three months. Soil Nutrient distribution was checked by pre sampling soil, 6 weeks after 1' treatment application (WAA), 6 WAA 2nd treatment were recorded during a period of three months, and continuously 6 weeks period to study the nutrient retention period. Finally the machine performances were observed. The applicator used 3 LPH compared to 2 LPH for manual fertilizer application. The applicator was not able to save fertilizer compared to manual application. The new applicator could not increase the distribution of nutrients in the soil profile and found to be inferior to manual broadcasting of mature tea fertilizers. However, applicator has some signs of improved soil N and K in deep soil layers. Applicator needs improvements in proper (even) dosage selection, easier and fast mechanism of refilling and applying fertilizer into much deeper layers in the soil. Both methods showed the same effects. Key words: Labor shortage, Fertilizer application, Fertilizer applicator, Tea yield