DETERMINANTS OF VALUE ADDED PRODUCTION IN CINNAMON INDUSTRY
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Date
2015
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Value addition is currently an important topic in agriculture sector, especially for increase the economic value of agricultural products and to reduce wastage. Value addition has the ability to create employment, absorb excess labour from agriculture, enable rural residents to capture more margins from agriculture, hence raising rural income levels. Spice is one of the key agricultural sub sector of Sri Lanka. True cinnamon is unique and most economically valuable indigenous crop known as Ceylon cinnamon among all other spices in Sri Lanka. Regardless of the unique benefits associated with true cinnamon (Cinnamoniumzeylanicum), there is limited value added cinnamon products range hence cinnamon processors receive less return from cinnamon industry. Using survey data from 83 cinnamon processors from Galle and Colombo Districts this study analyzed factors affecting on value added production in cinnamon industry, an economic activity with a potential to improve household livelihoods but whose development has remained rudimentary. Data were analyzed by binary logistic regression model and SWOT analysis was conducted to identify potentials and problems in the industry. The results revealed that cinnamon processors involvement in value added production is positively influenced by a number of significant factors including technology, attitude, cost of production, credit access and labour availability. Lack of support services and access to credit, inadequate technology, labour scarcity and high cost of production are the foremost problems in the cinnamon industry. The established name and reputation of the Ceylon cinnamon around the world, lots of health benefits of true cinnamon confirmed at international level and higher quality than its major competitor Cassia cinnamon are the major potentials for the industry. Study recommended that cinnamon manufacturers should be informed the benefits and importance of adding value to their agricultural commodities as a tool for poverty reduction, employment creation and economic development. It is needed to review and strengthen policies that will improve access and use of credit.
Key words: True cinnamon, Cinnamon industry, Value addition, Binary logistic regression
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Export Agriculture Degree Programme (EAG)