National Small Tea Grower’s Conference 2023 held in Guwahati

HT Bureau

GUWAHATI, Sept 29: The National Small Tea Grower’s Conference 2023, held on Friday, in Guwahati, has emerged as a pivotal event in the Indian tea industry. Jointly organised by Solidaridad and the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers’ Associations (CISTA), with the support of various regional small tea growers’ associations, this conference provided a platform for industry leaders, experts, and small tea growers from across India to address the challenges and opportunities in the tea sector.

The National Small Tea Grower’s Conference 2023 highlighted the indispensable role of Small Tea Growers (STGs) within the Indian tea industry. STGs have made substantial contributions to the nation’s tea production landscape, and this conference celebrated their dedication and commitment to tea cultivation. While recognising the impact of STGs, the event also delved into the challenges they face in their daily endeavours, including cultivation, processing, and marketing.

Piyush Goyal, minister of Commerce & Industry, highlighted the pivotal role played by STGs in India’s tea sector. He stressed the importance of promoting organic and GIT teas through brand marketing and targeting high-value markets like Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Goyal also encouraged sustainable solutions to address climate change challenges and innovation across the entire tea supply chain.

Dr Shatadru Chattopadhyay, managing director of Solidaridad Network Asia, recognised STGs as the unsung heroes of the tea industry. He praised their dedication and commitment, often amid daunting challenges.

Prabhat Bezbaruah, former chairman of the Tea Board, highlighted the need for supporting STGs and empowering them for quality tea production. He stated the importance of the organised sector and government bodies in aiding STGs on their journey to producing high-quality teas.

Bijoy Gopal Chakraborty, chairman of CISTA, stressed the revolutionary and dynamic nature of the small tea growers’ segment. He called for sustainable development and knowledge empowerment to produce high-quality teas.

Small tea growers who attended the conference expressed their challenges and aspirations. They highlighted the need for support, knowledge, and guidance to enhance the quality of their teas.

The conference focused on addressing key challenges faced by STGs, including sustainable tea production, knowledge gaps, climate adaptation, and market dynamics. A central theme was the urgent need for quality improvement in tea production to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.