Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan Emphasizes Modernization and Global Branding of Indian Tea Industry
The Vice President highlighted the need for research, branding, and value addition to make Indian tea competitive in the global market during the centenary conference of the UPASI Tea Research Foundation.
India's Vice President, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the centenary conference of the United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) Tea Research Foundation in Coonoor, Nilgiris. On this occasion, he laid special emphasis on comprehensive research, the modernization of factories, branding, and value addition to enhance the competitiveness of Indian tea in the global market.
Congratulating the foundation on completing 100 years of service to the tea industry, planters, and workers, the Vice President praised its contribution to research and development. He stated that since India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of tea, it is essential to focus on efficient processing and production alongside cultivation. Shri Radhakrishnan called for the promotion of research that can improve productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Mentioning global competition, the Vice President noted that India needs to improve the marketing of its tea and increase revenue. He urged stakeholders to systematically assess the needs of the tea industry and work closely with the central and state governments on concrete projects. He called upon tea producers and exporters to move beyond bulk sales and develop strong Indian brands to increase the identity and presence of Indian tea in international markets.
The Vice President described the welfare of plantation workers as an integral part of the industry's progress and sustainability, stating that the welfare of the industry and its workers must go hand in hand.
During the event, the Vice President released a book titled "Tea Research in South India – A Compendium," which focuses on the legacy and contributions of tea research in South India. The program was attended by several dignitaries, agricultural scientists, and industry representatives, including the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Udhagamandalam, Shri Bhojarajan, Vice Chairman of the Tea Board of India, Shri C. Murugan, and the President of UPASI, Shri Ajay Thippaiya.
