Present Mechanization of Regional Tea Processing and Grading System in Bangladesh

Abstract

Nowadays tea is the most popular beverage crop of Bangladesh which contributes to our national GDP. There are 166 tea gardens in the various region in Bangladesh are producing tea. Some best quality tea is exporting from our country but this amount is negligible due to improper handling and processing systems. Quality tea production from processing houses is beyond control and mostly depends on the processing method. Improper handling and insufficient technology results in lower grade tea, as well as foreign contaminates, are found in made tea. This research focused on the problems of the present of tea processing and handling scenario. Tea gardens from Sylhet, Moulovibazar, and Panchagarh region were visited to find out real-life problems and probable solutions by an interview schedule. Tea processing technology includes plucking, withering, cutting-curling-twisting, rolling, sorting, and packaging was considered to visualize the contributions from labor groups, transportations, and types of machinery. A quantitative cost analysis was also analyzed to find the scope of appropriate mechanization in tea industries. The study results that, due to improper withering, high transportation cost, uneven drying, and testing methods cause low-grade tea to compete for the international market. Moreover, it has been seen that fuel cost increased 13% and plucking cost decreased 23 % over the past 20 years. The study concludes that an appropriate scale mechanization policy and adoption of new machines must be adopted immediately considering each tea processing house. If the processing technology can be simulated by modern techniques and mechanical aids the goal for better quality tea can be achieved and foreign exchange can be assured for the sustainable tea industry in Bangladesh.