At the ADB Programme Evaluation Workshop last week sum total of achievement was that although Regional Plantation Companies (RPCC), had shown some progress there were areas of performance heightened by negative applications. .

We have already reported on Minister D.M.Jayaratne’s assessment of achievement of these companies over the six year loan period which in reality left RPCC largely non performers.

At evaluation sessions Project Director Raja Premadasa said although the Plantation Development Project (PDP) followed the Plantation Reform Project; (PRP), a number of issues not realized under the first project be rectified for attention under the PDP funded by the Asian Develoment Bank (ADB).

He said goal and objectives included enhanced profitability of the plantation sector through transformation of RPCC from primary producers to agribusiness entities. Further inclusion in such projections were that the sector would imbibe long term perspectives for sustainable development of the plantation sector without further external assistance. Additionally to reduce cost of production, increase yields, and increase ;labour productivity.

Subject to assessment by Premadasa at sessions last week, emergent retrospection was that although there was substantial influx of some 1.3 billion Rupees in loan inputs realization did not achieve expectations. He said due to various reasons the sector did not sufficiently diversify to encompass benefits of agribusiness entities to garner inherent benefits of loan projections. The ADB loan was declared effective September 2003. to 2008. This year too funding was on going, effectively approximately 6 years to achieve financial realization of approved funds. The sector , according to Premadas did not perform as expected, in some areas

As already reported by us veritably each week. The Plantation sector continues to report losses. This year being an exceptionally bad year .

The Sri Lanka tea industry, particularly, recorded the worlds highest crop deficit of approximately 41 million kilos, with no hope of rectifying the short fall. Kenya and India too reported crop deficits, but not to extents recorded here.

All told irrespective of assistance funds channeled to the plantation sector, negativity and listlessness, arguably seemed to be the final analysis applicable to the sector.

The minister in his speech also said it would now become necessary to infuse further funds through the government of Sri Lanka to provide additional ‘prop-up’ funds to enhance assistance.

However Premadasa said there were some areas that had positive achievement levels of approximately 70 %. Development of worker housing, was one such .Additionally concrete paving of foot paths leading to worker colonies.

Secretary General Planters’ Association of Ceylon, Malin Goonetilleke said in effect further funds were required to realize successful expectations in areas identified as incomplete.

Sixteen regional Plantation Companies had participated in the project. Four did not; said Raja Premadasa.

Credit line under the Plantation Fund was available for field development, and mechanization in tea rubber, and coconut estates. Additionally crop and non crop diversification; factory consolidation and process automation. Effluent treatment for rubber and oil palm. Rehabilitation of mini hydro stations; and marketing ventures.

As for ergonomic applications for worker productivity originally encompassed by Dr. Wester Modder then Director of the Tea Research Institute, about ten years ago, the PDP also provided finances to address such problems.

All in all the PDP was an all inclusive programme providing sustainable financing to the tree crop industries to work at indicated potential.