Focus on Innovation, Sustainability and Farmer Welfare
Shri Goyal stressed the adoption of sustainable practices, responsible labour standards, and continuous innovation to maintain high-quality tea and low Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). He urged researchers to leverage India’s diverse agro-climatic zones to develop high-value, signature blends, enabling small growers to achieve better returns and enhancing India’s global presence.
The Minister underscored the importance of end-to-end traceability across the tea supply chain. He encouraged the adoption of technologies such as blockchain to track tea production, ensuring authentic Indian blends reach consumers, safeguarding quality, and improving trust among international buyers. Strengthening traceability is also expected to protect farmer interests and enhance pricing transparency.
Sustainable Farming and Eco-Friendly Packaging
Shri Goyal advocated the use of eco-friendly farming methods, such as drip irrigation, to improve water efficiency and productivity. He also called for biodegradable packaging solutions to meet global sustainability standards, emphasising the importance of value addition, branding, and packaged tea exports to strengthen India’s competitive edge.
Government Support and Social Development
The Minister highlighted government initiatives, including a ₹1,000-crore package supporting tea growers and workers and the Chai Sahayog App for small growers. He also called for improved social infrastructure, skilling initiatives, mechanisation, and technology-driven weather and pest management tools to ensure higher productivity and incomes for farmers.
Global Competitiveness and Marketing Strategies
Shri Goyal urged the industry to adopt innovative storytelling for marketing, emphasising origin, processing methods, and uniqueness of each tea. He highlighted support from FSSAI, BIS, and EIC for establishing world-class testing facilities, ensuring that every cup of Indian tea reflects quality, heritage, and trust.
Conclusion
Shri Goyal concluded that India’s tea sector must combine innovation, sustainability, technology, and social welfare to secure a competitive international presence. He expressed confidence that the sector will significantly contribute to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 during the Amrit Kaal.