New Delhi, November 29:
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday urged India’s tea industry to develop new internationally competitive varieties, adopt advanced technologies, and strengthen sustainability and traceability across the value chain. He was addressing the Sankalp Foundation’s National Conference on Safe Tea Production in New Delhi.
Goyal said that while India is globally recognised for iconic teas such as Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri, the country must expand its portfolio with new signature blends aligned with evolving consumer preferences, wellness trends and premium global markets. Sustained innovation, he noted, is essential to maintaining high quality and low MRL levels.
Focus on Innovation and Farmer Welfare
Calling for researchers and scientists to leverage India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions, Goyal said innovation-driven value addition would help unlock new export opportunities and ensure better incomes for small growers. With India exporting nearly 255 million tonnes of tea annually, he emphasised the sector’s economic and cultural importance.
The Minister highlighted ongoing government initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at improving the lives of tea growers and workers. These include the ₹1,000-crore package for the sector and tools such as the Chai Sahayog App, designed to help small growers secure better prices.
Push for Traceability and Technology Adoption
Goyal underscored the need for full traceability in the tea supply chain, urging stakeholders to explore technologies such as blockchain to ensure transparency from plucking to export. Such systems, he said, would prevent adulteration, protect brand integrity, and enhance trust among global buyers.
He called on the industry to adopt modern agricultural tools, weather-forecasting systems, and pest-risk analytics to support timely decision-making and boost productivity.
Sustainability and Value Addition
The Minister encouraged tea producers to embrace sustainable farming practices such as drip irrigation, and to shift toward biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging. He stressed that India must increase the share of value-added, branded and packaged teas in both domestic and international markets, moving beyond bulk commodity exports.
Goyal said the Ministry and the Tea Board would support global outreach, including participation in trade fairs and international buyer–seller meets.
Social Development and Quality Standards
Highlighting the need for social progress in tea-growing regions, he urged stakeholders to work collectively to improve opportunities for children and strengthen worker welfare. He also called for investment in state-of-the-art testing equipment and assured that FSSAI, BIS and EIC would support the establishment of world-class quality-testing facilities nationwide.
Goyal said close collaboration between government and industry would be essential to ensure that “every cup of Indian tea represents quality, heritage and trust.” He expressed confidence that the tea sector will play a significant role in India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
