SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce & Industry | Tea Board of India
The National Conference on Safe Tea Production highlighted a comprehensive strategy to transform the Indian tea sector from relying on traditional strengths (Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri) to becoming a global leader in premium, value-added products. The core focus is on enhancing quality, traceability, farmer welfare, and sustainability, particularly emphasizing the need to maintain low MRL levels to secure international market access. The strategy urges the industry to develop a wider catalogue of new, internationally marketable signature blends catering to emerging consumer and wellness trends worldwide, moving beyond bulk commodity exports.
The strategy mandates:
Innovation and Value Addition: Leveraging India’s diverse agro-climates to develop new varieties and high-value products, thereby increasing the share of branded and packaged teas in global markets.
Technology and Traceability: Utilizing emerging technologies like blockchain for end-to-end supply chain transparency. This is essential to prevent mixing with lower-quality teas, protect the integrity of Indian blends, and secure better value for small growers.
Farmer Welfare and Support: Utilizing the Government’s ₹1,000-crore package for tea growers and workers, and promoting tools like the Chai Sahayog App to help small growers realize better prices.
Sustainability and Modernization: Encouraging the adoption of innovative farming practices like drip irrigation for water efficiency, transitioning to biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging, and integrating technology-driven systems for weather forecasting and pest management.
Quality Assurance: Establishing world-class testing facilities with support from agencies like FSSAI, BIS, and EIC, and incorporating “innovative storytelling” into marketing to highlight the origin and unique heritage of Indian tea.
Policy Relevance: This directive is of critical regulatory and developmental relevance, focusing on quality standards (low MRLs) and tech adoption (blockchain) to make the sector future-ready. It directly links market competitiveness with social development, urging stakeholders to improve opportunities for children and workers in tea-growing regions as part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal.
What is the MRL level in the context of tea production?→ MRL stands for Maximum Residue Limit, which is the highest level of pesticide residue legally tolerated in or on food or feed when pesticides are used correctly. Maintaining low MRL levels is crucial for Indian tea exports to meet the strict quality and food safety standards set by major international markets like the European Union.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What regulatory mandates will the Tea Board implement to ensure universal adoption of blockchain-based traceability systems and compliance with low MRL standards across the entire supply chain?
Follow the full news here: India Must Develop New Internationally Competitive Tea Varieties