Mechanized tea plucking: A technology that transforms tradition and eases the burden on tea pluckers

The Island Sri Lanka reports on a transformative initiative by Berendina Development Services (Guarantee) Limited (BDS) in the tea industry of Sri Lanka, specifically in the highlands of Nuwara Eliya. The organization has introduced mechanized tea plucking machines, aiming to ease the burden on traditional tea pluckers and enhance their economic prospects.

This intervention has had significant impacts, including a nearly doubling of daily tea yields from 24-25 kilograms to 44-45 kilograms per worker, representing a 79.7 percent productivity increase. Beyond the immediate gains in productivity, the mechanized process has also eased the physical strain on workers, who previously faced repetitive bending and reaching under harsh weather conditions.

The initiative has also played a crucial role in leveling the playing field for women, who have traditionally shouldered the heaviest workload. With 44 of the 97 beneficiaries being women, this initiative has not only improved their working conditions but also contributed to their financial independence. The impact assessment conducted by BDS after five months of distribution revealed that most households were comprised of 4-6 members, with low educational attainment levels, and that beneficiaries were predominantly aged between 40-49 years.

This transformative intervention underscores BDS's commitment to unlocking economic opportunities for marginalized communities through innovative livelihood interventions.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's own syndicated text. Machine-written — read the original for the full account.