e-platform for auction of Kangra tea

Our Correspondent

Palampur, October 14

Deputy chairman of the Tea Board India, Kolkata, Arun Kumar Ray, visited the CSIR-IHBT today. He interacted with scientists for strengthening the Kangra tea industry.

Ray said an e-platform would be created for auctioning Kangra tea so that it could be sold from Dharamsala without being transported to Kolkata to avoid transportation cost.

For the assessment of tea quality, artificial intelligence would be used throughout the country so that the complaints of growers and the factory management on accurate leaf grade could be addressed. He also asked the institute to assess the cold-flavour quality of the first flush tea, which was gaining popularity in Darjeeling. The board had planned to promote Himachal tea brands through its GI, which had been awarded due to the scientific data of CSIR-IHBT.

Setting up of tea nurseries of quality tea clones was also discussed and it was suggested that entrepreneurship would be promoted for raising tea nurseries of high-yielding varieties. Ray appreciated the efforts of the institute for supporting the tea industry and invited them to participate in the proposed tea exhibition to be held in Kolkata.

“A comprehensive integrated programme on tea mechanisation is the only solution to cope with labour shortage, boost profitability of tea growers and strengthen the industry,” Dr Sanjay Kumar, director, CSIR-IHBT.