Sri Lanka, Oct. 29 -- Sri Lanka's plan to lift tea production to 400 million kilograms by 2030 faces steep challenges, from underinvestment to producer reluctance, according to Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC Chairman and former Tea Board chief Niraj De Mel, who cautioned that the target may be more aspirational than achievable.

De Mel cautioned that significant investment constraints and possible reluctance among producers could hinder progress towards the target.

He shared these views in his chairman's message in the Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC Annual Report 2024/25.

The target, proposed by the Ministry of Plantation Industries in consultation with key industry bodies including the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB), Tea Research Institute (TRI), and Tea ...