Mechanized plucking

Mechanised plucking is the answer for increasing productivity and reducing labour cost, which amounts to 67% to 70% of the total cost of production. Mechanised plucking is well established in Kenya where tea is grown on even land. In Sri Lanka, tea is grown on the slopes of mountains. Therefore it is difficult to implement mechanised plucking in Sri Lanka. However difficult it is, it is necessary to move into mechanised harvesting, if tea industry were to survive in Sri Lank. Currently about 10% to 15% of the tea is mechanically harvested.

There are two methods of mechanised plucking, shear harvesting and motorized plucking. Shear harvesting has been successful in Sri Lanka. Shear harvesting is a semi-mechanized technology which is usable along the slopes.

With shear harvesting it is possible to identify and pluck quality leaf. In motorised plucking leaves on the top layer are plucked. Initially the quality would drop but if the method is continued the quality would improve. Or mechanised plucking two to three persons would be required to carry the machine along the slopes which would be slightly difficult.

As time goes, the planters will find ways and means of using shear harvesting and motorised harvesting as there is no alternative.