India Must Innovate & Broaden Tea Portfolio For Global Markets: Piyush Goyal

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Nov 29 (KNN) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal today underscored the need for India to expand its portfolio of internationally marketable tea products while addressing the Sankalp Foundation's National Conference on Safe Tea Production in New Delhi.

He noted that although India is globally recognised for teas such as Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri, the industry must develop new blends aligned with evolving consumer preferences, wellness trends and premium global markets.

The Minister stressed that sustainability, responsible labour practices and continuous innovation are essential to preserving quality and maintaining low maximum residue limit (MRL) levels.

He encouraged researchers to utilise India's diverse agro-climatic conditions to create high-value varieties that could open new export avenues and secure better returns for growers, especially small farmers.

Highlighting India's position as one of the world's largest tea producers and exporters, Goyal said the sector remains vital to the country's trade and hospitality culture.

He expressed confidence that the conference's deliberations would support the Ministry and the Tea Board in formulating measures to strengthen the industry.

Goyal pointed to ongoing government initiatives to support small tea growers and workers. These include a Rs 1,000-crore support package and the Chai Sahayog App, designed to help growers obtain better prices.

He reiterated that stakeholder feedback is crucial for shaping effective policies.

Calling for full traceability across the tea supply chain, the Minister urged the adoption of emerging technologies such as blockchain to enhance transparency from plucking and processing to packaging and export. Such systems, he said, would protect the integrity of Indian tea, prevent blending with inferior or imported varieties, and build greater trust among international buyers.

Goyal also encouraged wider use of sustainable agricultural practices, including drip irrigation, and recommended exploring biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Increasing the share of value-added, branded and packaged teas in domestic and global markets, he said, is essential for enhancing India's competitiveness.

He assured that the Ministry and the Tea Board would continue supporting global outreach through trade fairs, international events and buyer–seller engagements.

(KNN Bureau)

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