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Key Points

The government has launched groundbreaking skill courses for tea sommeliers and tea tasting professionals. These NCVET-approved programs will be conducted at the Darjeeling Tea Research Centre to train youth in specialized tea expertise. The courses cover everything from professional tasting techniques to innovative blend development and factory operations. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening India's tea value chain through skilled workforce development.

Key Points: NCVET Approves First Tea Sommelier and Tasting Skill Courses

  • Courses developed with Agriculture Skill Council of India aligning with NEP 2020 standards
  • 60-hour Essentials of Tea Sommeliers covers professional tasting and blend development
  • 210-hour Fundamentals of Tea Tasting includes factory operations and session management
  • Trained professionals will enhance sensory evaluation and market competitiveness
  • Committee included domain experts from multiple ministries and institutions
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Centre launches NCVET-approved skill courses on tea sommeliers and tea tasting

Commerce Ministry launches NCVET-approved tea sommelier and tasting courses to skill youth and promote tea literacy, enhancing India's tea industry competitiveness.

"The specialised courses by Tea Board India are aimed at skilling the youth and promoting tea literacy - Ministry of Commerce & Industry"

New Delhi, September 30

Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, launched the National Council of Vocational Education and Training (NCVET)-approved skill courses on Tea Sommeliers and Tea Tasting on Tuesday.

According to a release from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, announcing the initiative, Barthwal said the specialised courses by Tea Board India are aimed at skilling the youth and promoting tea literacy, with the programmes proposed to be conducted at the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre, Tea Board India, Kurseong.

Tea Board India constituted a Committee comprising the Joint Secretary (Plantations), Department of Commerce, Director, NCVET, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, IIPM, and domain experts in Tea Tasting and NEP 2020. The Committee was tasked with exploring existing courses in India and abroad, and developing a comprehensive curriculum aligned with international standards, Indian tea industry requirements, and the National Education Policy 2020.

Based on the recommendations, two new courses have been developed with the assistance of the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), an awarding body recognised by the NCVET, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.

The two courses are Essentials of Tea Sommeliers (60 hours) - covering fundamentals of tea and tea appreciation, professional tea tasting techniques, development of innovative tea blends, and adoption of artisanal and future-forward tea practices and Fundamentals of Tea Tasting (210 hours) - covering factory-level tea tasting operations, conducting and managing tea tasting sessions, tea blending based on tasting outcomes, and implementing future-ready tea manufacturing and tasting practices.

On successful completion, trained professionals will contribute to sensory evaluation, grading, and the promotion of tea literacy--factors critical to enhancing market competitiveness and consumer satisfaction.

These are the first-of-their-kind courses in tea tasting, designed in alignment with NEP 2020, and mark a significant step in strengthening India's tea value chain through a skilled workforce.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! India is recognizing the value of professional tea expertise. The 210-hour tea tasting course seems comprehensive. Hope they offer scholarships for students from tea-growing regions.
M
Michael C
As someone working in the hospitality industry, this is exactly what we need. Proper tea sommeliers can elevate the dining experience and help customers appreciate the nuances of Indian teas.
A
Ananya R
Great step but I hope they ensure proper implementation. Sometimes these government initiatives look good on paper but lack practical execution. Fingers crossed this works well! 🤞
K
Karthik V
Being conducted in Darjeeling - perfect location! The youth from North East and West Bengal will benefit immensely. This could create new career paths beyond traditional jobs.
S
Sarah B
Tea literacy is such an important concept. Most Indians drink tea daily but don't know much about the varieties and qualities. These courses will help bridge that knowledge gap.

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