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Piyush Goyal's Tea Vision: Why India Must Innovate to Stay on Top

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has urged the Indian tea industry to develop new, internationally competitive varieties. He emphasized moving beyond traditional strengths like Darjeeling and Assam teas. The minister highlighted the need for innovation and sustainable practices to capture global markets. Goyal also mentioned government support initiatives to help farmers secure better returns.

Key Points: Piyush Goyal Urges Industry to Develop New Tea Varieties

  • India must create new signature tea blends for global consumer tastes
  • Sustainable practices and innovation are key to maintaining high tea quality
  • Leveraging agro-climatic strengths can unlock new export opportunities
  • A Rs 1,000-crore government package supports tea growers and workers
2 min read

Develop internationally competitive tea varieties, Piyush Goyal urges industry

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal calls for developing internationally competitive tea varieties, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and unlocking new export markets.

"India must move beyond its traditional strengths and focus on creating new signature blends - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, Nov 28

India, which continues to be globally recognised for iconic teas such as Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri, needs to develop a wider catalogue of internationally marketable varieties, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday.

India is among the world's largest tea producers and exporters, with nearly 255 million tonnes exported annually.

Addressing the Sankalp Foundation's 'National Conference on Safe Tea Production' here, he underlined that India must move beyond its traditional strengths and focus on creating new signature blends that resonate with changing consumer tastes, emerging wellness trends, and premium lifestyle markets worldwide.

The minister emphasised that sustainable practices, responsible labour standards, and continuous innovation are essential to maintaining high-quality tea and low Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL).

Goyal also urged researchers and scientists to leverage India's diverse agro-climatic strengths to develop innovative varieties and high-value products that can unlock new export opportunities.

Such innovation-driven value addition, he said, would not only enhance India's global footprint but also enable farmers -- particularly small growers -- to secure better returns.

The Minister stressed that sustained research, experimentation, and product development will be key to ensuring that Indian tea remains competitive, distinctive, and future-ready in an increasingly dynamic global tea industry.

He also underscored the importance of safeguarding this key industry, which plays an integral role in India's hospitality and trade culture, and added that deliberations held during the conference would provide valuable inputs to the Ministry and the Tea Board to further strengthen the sector.

While the government remains committed to improving the lives of tea growers, inputs, suggestions, and guidance from stakeholders, researchers, and industry players are invaluable in shaping effective policies. He highlighted the government's Rs 1,000-crore package aimed at supporting tea growers and workers, along with initiatives such as the Chai Sahayog App, which enables small growers to realise better prices for their produce.

Goyal encouraged the wider adoption of innovative and sustainable farming practices, noting that methods such as drip irrigation can significantly improve water efficiency and overall productivity for growers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from Assam, I hope this actually reaches the small tea growers. The Rs 1,000-crore package sounds good but implementation matters. Our farmers deserve better prices for their hard work.
S
Sarah B
Sustainable practices are crucial! Drip irrigation and responsible farming will not only help the environment but also improve tea quality. Indian tea has so much potential if we invest in modern techniques.
A
Arjun K
Darjeeling tea is already world-class, but we need more varieties that appeal to younger international consumers. Maybe herbal infusions and organic options could be our next big exports. Chai pe charcha should go global! ☕
M
Michael C
While the vision is good, I hope this isn't just another announcement. The tea industry needs consistent support and research funding. Many small growers are struggling with rising costs and climate change impacts.
K
Kavya N
The Chai Sahayog App is a great step! Technology can really help small farmers get fair prices. Hope they expand it to more regions. Our tea workers deserve better livelihoods 🙏

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