Netherlands commits Rs. 200mn to local plantations

The Netherlands has pledged 500,000 euros (approximately Rs. 199.8 million) to support economic sustainability and plantation initiatives in Sri Lanka, as its Acting Ambassador warned the tea industry must urgently adopt climate-resilient and ethical practices. 

Speaking at an exclusive networking event in Colombo last week, Acting Ambassador Iwan Rutjens championed tea as an environmentally responsible beverage choice, while stressing that the multi-billion-dollar sector must decisively shift its operational models to ensure future survival.

Addressing the broader international landscape, the Ambassador noted that adopting eco-friendly practices is no longer just an ethical obligation but a critical imperative for market survival and profitability. With the global tea industry currently valued at around US$ 50 billion and projected to surpass US$ 90 billion in the coming years, producers must align with eco-conscious consumer behaviour to capture a lucrative share of this massive growth. Sustainability is no longer a trend, it›s a necessity. As consumers get more eco-conscious, the beverage industry is under pressure to reduce its footprint,» Rutjens noted, pointing out that tea naturally leads the way in eco-friendly consumption compared to competitive beverages.

Elaborating on how tea can become an even more sustainable crop, Rutjens positioned it as a highly responsible choice for global water conservation. He explained that tea plants are far more water-efficient than coffee, which requires vast amounts of irrigation, and noted that many tea farms utilize rainwater harvesting to further reduce their dependency on freshwater. He painted a picture of the industry’s future rooted in regenerative agriculture, carbon-neutral shipping, and agroforestry, where tea plants grow alongside native trees to promote biodiversity. (NF)