Guwahati: The Zonal Office of the Tea Board of India is filled with optimism regarding the promotion and development of the tea industry in Assam.

Recently, Assam Tea celebrated its momentous 200-year anniversary on May 21.

In an exclusive interview with Business Northeast (BNE), Arunita Phukan Yadav, IRS, the Executive Director of the Zonal Office, shared insightful details about the new initiatives spearheaded by the Tea Board of India to foster the growth and progress of the tea industry in Assam.

She discussed the dedicated efforts undertaken by the zonal office to ensure the preservation of quality and sustainability standards in Assam's tea production.

Excerpts from the interview:

BNE: How does the Tea Board plan to celebrate the 200 years of Assam tea?

Executive Director: This is a momentous occasion for all of us, and the entire tea industry is jubilantly celebrating. The Tea Board, in collaboration with the Government of Assam, has organized a series of events throughout the year to commemorate this historic milestone. The official launch of the celebrations took place on May 21, coinciding with International Tea Day. On this significant day, we also unveiled the Assam Tea logo. Additionally, we are producing a special documentary titled 'Crop to Cup' to showcase the journey of tea. We have several exciting plans in store for the celebrations.

BNE: What initiatives is the Tea Board currently undertaking to promote the growth and development of the tea industry in Assam?

Executive Director: Presently, we are implementing the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme under the fifteenth finance commission. This scheme encompasses various initiatives, including field mechanization, scholarship and education stipend programs, assistance for establishing mini and large tea factories, and the establishment of a sector-specific action plan agency at the NITI Aayog forum. Furthermore, we provide special subsidies for exports from ICD Amingaon. Apart from these, we also perform regulatory functions to ensure the smooth functioning and quality maintenance of the industry.

BNE: How is the Tea Board working to ensure the sustainability and quality of tea production in Assam?

Executive Director: To ensure sustainability and quality, we conduct regular workshops in collaboration with our development officers. These workshops, held across Assam and the Northeast region, actively engage stakeholders, particularly small tea growers. We provide training in good agricultural practices and good manufacturing practices. Our collaborative efforts extend to partnerships with institutions like Assam Agricultural University and the Tea Research Association (TRA). Our officers work closely with industry stakeholders in the field, addressing production methods and sustainability concerns.

BNE: Can you provide an overview of the regulatory framework or policies governing the tea industry and the Tea Board's role in enforcing them?

Executive Director: The Tea Board operates under the Tea Control Marketing Order, which grants us the authority to regulate and oversee the industry. As the registering authority, we issue licenses for manufacturers, including tea waste licenses and export licenses, among others. In cases where we observe deviations from established practices, we have the power to suspend or cancel licenses for specific factories or manufacturing units. These regulatory frameworks are in place to maintain and uphold quality standards.

BNE: What measures is the Tea Board taking to promote Indian tea in both domestic and international markets?

Executive Director: While the domestic market for Indian tea is already robust, we continually strive to enhance it further. We actively encourage stakeholders to participate in trade fairs, buyer-seller meetings, and promotional campaigns organized nationwide. Through these initiatives, we create opportunities for interaction and business development. We aim to engage and collaborate with industry stakeholders to promote Indian tea in both domestic and international markets.

BNE: What steps are being taken to address challenges such as climate change, pests, and diseases affecting tea cultivation?

Executive Director: We collaborate with various research organizations, universities such as Assam Agricultural University and TRA, and NGOs like the Rainforest Alliance. Our workshops, conducted by development officers at the field level, cover a wide range of topics and activities, including sustainability. These workshops provide training on good agricultural practices and address challenges related to climate change, pests, and diseases. Additionally, we regularly organize seminars and other events to stay updated on research and development in the field.

BNE: Are there any plans to diversify the range of tea products offered by Indian tea producers? If so, how are they being supported?

Executive Director: We actively promote diversification through buyer-seller meets and reverse buyer-seller meets. Recent successful initiatives include hosting inbound delegations from countries like Korea and Gujarat, which have generated valuable business opportunities for entrepreneurs in the tea industry. These events provide a platform for interaction with buyers, fostering diversification and innovation. We encourage the participation of new entrepreneurs to explore and showcase their products, facilitating business opportunities and market expansion.

BNE: How does the Tea Board support small-scale tea growers and ensure their inclusion in the industry?

Executive Director: Small-scale tea growers play a vital role, contributing over 51 percent to the industry. Our schemes primarily focus on supporting small tea growers through initiatives such as stipends, field mechanization, and encouraging their participation in buyer-seller meets. Additionally, we provide opportunities for their participation in major events like the upcoming G20 event in July, where they can showcase their products to an international audience. Our field officers maintain constant engagement with small tea growers, emphasizing quality, good agricultural practices, and sustainability.

BNE: Are there any ongoing research and development initiatives supported by the Tea Board to improve tea production techniques or develop new tea varieties?

Executive Director: We actively engage with research institutes such as TRA and Assam Agricultural University. Through funding projects and collaborations, we support research initiatives focused on tea production techniques and the development of new tea varieties. These efforts aim to enhance the productivity, quality, and sustainability of tea production.

BNE: What efforts are being made to enhance the competitiveness of Indian tea in the global market and increase exports?

Executive Director: Assam Tea, with its rich history of 200 years, has already established itself as a renowned brand globally. We strive to further enhance its competitiveness and expand its global market share. Initiatives include obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) Tag Protection for Assam Tea Orthodox variety to safeguard its quality. Whenever we participate in trade fairs or buyer-seller meets, Assam Tea holds a prominent position, effectively promoting its competitiveness in the global market.

BNE: Can you provide an update on the Tea Board's engagement with tea industry stakeholders, such as tea producers, exporters, and traders?

Executive Director: We maintain constant engagement with tea industry stakeholders to ensure quality standards and address their concerns. As we celebrate the 200 years of Assam tea, we encourage the active participation of stakeholders in our initiatives and celebrations.

BNE: What are the future plans of the Tea Board?

Executive Director: We are currently focused on implementing the outlined projects for Assam, serving as the implementing agency. These projects are part of the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme, which covers various initiatives applicable to Assam and the rest of the northeastern states.

BNE: Are there any upcoming plans for tea laborers?

Executive Director: While we are not directly associated with laborers in terms of implementing specific schemes, we have previously provided stipends and support for workers. In the future, we may incorporate similar provisions in our plans to address the welfare and needs of tea laborers.

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