Nilgiri, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Vice President of India, inaugurated the centenary conference of the United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) Tea Research Foundation on Monday in Coonoor, Nilgiri. He urged the need for extensive research, modernization, branding, and value addition to make Indian tea more competitive in the global market.
While congratulating UPASI on its 100 years of service to the tea industry, plantation owners, and workers, Radhakrishnan praised the foundation’s century-long contributions to research and development in the tea sector.
He noted that India is one of the largest producers and consumers of tea globally. The Vice President emphasized the importance of focusing on efficient processing and production alongside tea cultivation.
Radhakrishnan highlighted the need to enhance research in the tea sector, particularly in areas that improve efficiency, quality, and productivity. He stressed the importance of educating plantation owners to maintain quality and adapt to changing market demands, as competition in the global tea market is intensifying.
Addressing the competition from other tea-producing countries, he pointed out that India must consider how to better market its tea, increase revenue, and tackle challenges in the plantation sector through ongoing research and innovation.
He urged stakeholders to work collaboratively with the central and state governments to systematically assess the needs of the tea industry and prepare concrete project proposals. There is a pressing need to identify professionals for research, modernize tea factories, and ensure that Indian tea production meets global standards.
Radhakrishnan called on tea producers and exporters to move beyond bulk selling and focus on building strong Indian brands. Drawing from his experiences during international travels, he noted that many countries have well-established tea brands in global markets, and there is a need to enhance the presence and recognition of Indian tea brands.
He suggested that all stakeholders collaborate to market Indian tea under a strong brand, which would improve its position in the market and enhance revenue and pricing.
Additionally, he encouraged UPASI to use its centenary year to expand the tea research network and equip research centers with modern facilities, establishing a sustainable institutional identity. Continuous adaptation and development in research are crucial to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
Highlighting the critical role of plantation workers, Radhakrishnan called for increased attention to their welfare, asserting that the well-being of workers is integral to the industry’s progress and sustainability. He stated, “The welfare of the industry and workers must go hand in hand.”
Finally, he stressed the significance of value addition in tea and urged key stakeholders to collaborate in identifying new products, processes, and market opportunities.
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