In a decisive move to protect India's domestic tea industry, the Tea Board of India is preparing to launch a stringent standard operating procedure (SOP) within the next fortnight. This action aims to stem the tide of unauthorised and inferior-quality tea entering the country from Nepal and other nations, a practice that has severely impacted local growers and the iconic Darjeeling tea brand.
New SOP and Quality Testing to Secure Borders
C Murugan, the Deputy Chairman of the Tea Board, made the significant announcement during the biennial general meeting of the Tea Association of India (TAI) in Kolkata on Saturday. He assured industry stakeholders that the board is committed to implementing 100% quality-testing of all imported tea to prevent the entry of cheaper, substandard varieties.
Murugan detailed the timeline, stating that the necessary infrastructure for this rigorous testing is currently being set up. "It will take 15 to 20 days. After that, we will seek legal opinion, followed by approval from the commerce ministry," he explained. This procedural step is crucial to ensure the new measures are legally robust and enforceable.
A ₹1,500 Crore Boost and Call for Worker Equity
Alongside the defensive measures, the Tea Board unveiled a substantial development plan. Murugan revealed that an outlay of Rs 1,500 crore has been earmarked under the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme, 2026, for the next five years. This fund is designed to benefit the entire industry, including small tea-growers (STGs).
Highlighting a shift in the board's role, Murugan said, "The board will act as a facilitator and move towards liberalisation of controls. It will not be involved in the auction system but will facilitate the process." He also mentioned plans for generic promotion of Indian tea in international markets to boost exports.
The meeting also featured strong remarks from Bengal's labour secretary, Avanindra Singh. He directly blamed cheap imports of inferior quality tea from Nepal for damaging the Darjeeling tea industry. Singh urged tea garden managements to promptly clear all outstanding workers' dues.
Proposing a revolutionary model for the industry's survival, Singh advised, "The best way for the industry to survive is through the participation of tea workers in running the gardens by giving them equity. This will create a sense of ownership among the tea garden workers." He also called on experienced industry players to acquire closed tea gardens in Bengal, cautioning against their sale to inexperienced entities who cannot operate them effectively.
Industry Backs Move for Survival
The state labour department advised the industry to directly involve workers, rather than just unions, in resolving garden issues. This aligns with the broader theme of inclusive growth and stability.
Sandeep Singhania, President of the Tea Association of India, strongly endorsed the push to restrict unauthorised imports, stating it was crucial for the survival of the Darjeeling tea industry. The consensus among officials and industry leaders is clear: immediate and strict regulatory action, coupled with innovative ownership models and significant government funding, is essential to secure the future of this vital Indian sector.
