Directive for quality tea

TT, 15 March 2019, Siliguri: The Tea Board of India has come up with a new directive to ensure that brew of appropriate quality is produced by tea estates and small tea sector at the beginning of the season.

"In recent times, the board has been consistently working to confirm that the industry adheres to quality standards while processing tealeaves, both in small and big gardens. The directive is significant as it has been issued at a time when production of the first flush teas is in progress. The first flush tea fetches the highest prices, both on domestic and international markets. We welcome the initiative," said Bijoygopal Chakraborty, the president of the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers' Associations.

In the directive that was issued on March 11, the board has mentioned that India is the second largest tea producer in the world and is known for its quality.

"It is an important sector RIGHT PLUCK because of its contribution in the country's economy and also for providing livelihood to a large number of people. That is why it is necessary to maintain quality to enhance competitiveness of the product in global market. The improvement in quality can also lead to rise in domestic consumption," said a source.

In a similar initiative taken by the board on last year, specific dates were announced to stop tea production during the winter season, when new tealeaves stop growing at the plantations. The move was welcomed by stakeholders, many of whom had admitted that the restriction has prevented production of low quality teas in the lean season.

In the directive, it has been mentioned that green leaves should be transported from the plantations to the factory at least twice a day to keep freshness and the leaves should be packed in bags before transportation.

"The factories have been advised to reject discoloured, damaged, fermented and scorched leaves and FSSAI standards should be checked through periodical inspection of leaves," the source added.

The tea board, sources said, will also take the initiative to collect samples of teas from factories and warehouses to confirm the quality standards on a random basis.

"If it is found that the teas are not meeting the standards, such tea will be treated as tea waste and shall be denatured or destroyed. The board can also take actions against the concerned manufacturer and can even take steps like cancelling of licenses or registration," the source said.

Representatives of the planters' fraternity have also appreciated the move.

"Such a move would encourage the industry to produce quality teas and can help tea gardens in earning higher prices. It can also contribute in augmenting the export of Indian teas and gain new markets in the overseas," said Sanjoy Bagchi, secretary, Terai Branch of Indian Tea Association.