Chennai, Sept 22:
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan has called on India’s tea industry to move beyond bulk production and develop distinctive, globally recognised brands by focusing on quality, value addition, technology and effective marketing.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) in Coonoor on Monday, Radhakrishnan said India, one of the world’s major tea-producing countries, needed to leverage its strengths to increase the value and global visibility of Indian tea.
He pointed to growing competition in the international tea market and called for lower production costs, improved quality, new technologies and better training for tea growers. He said strong brands could help the industry secure greater value, better prices and more stable markets.
Radhakrishnan also called for modern research centres equipped with advanced technologies and stressed that industry growth should go hand in hand with better healthcare and working conditions for plantation workers. He proposed healthcare centres with consultation and diagnostic facilities for plantation workers in each of the four southern States.
He urged UPASI and other plantation-sector stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive project report and approach the government for assistance in research, technological development, branding and worker welfare. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was also present.