Latest news with #TeaBoard
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
EU curbs on chemicals may impact Assam tea export
Guwahati: The Tea Research Association Tocklai (TRA Tocklai) in Assam, recognised as the world's oldest and largest tea research facility, has raised serious concerns about new European Union Commission regulations restricting three chemical compounds commonly used in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam. According to officials, the regulations will lower the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin to 0.05 ppm from March 2026. Similar constraints for Thiacloprid were effective from May. These substances are essential for controlling pests in tea plantations. Various Indian organisations, including the Tea Board, TRA Tocklai, department of commerce, and Indian Embassy in the EU, have approached DG Sanco and DG Trade of the EU, requesting time to phase out existing chemicals until alternatives receive approval. India's tea exports to the EU and UK amount to 53 million kgs per annum, predominantly from Assam. These regulations can impact the supply of 40 million kgs from Assam every year. EU and UK importers are worried about purchasing Indian teas, as they maintain tea stocks for 12-24 months, potentially facing compliance issues when the new regulations take effect. Indian Embassy representatives in Brussels are scheduled to meet EU officials in early June to address trade matters. The Embassy has sought information from TRA Tocklai and the Tea Board regarding alternative substances, transition plans, and scientific evidence supporting extension requests, along with the potential effects of neonicotinoid restrictions on tea exports. TRA Tocklai has petitioned senior EU officials for a five-year transition period from current chemicals to newer alternatives. "Since good Assam orthodox teas are exported to the EU and UK, the new EU regulation may cause a major hindrance to exports, and reputed tea importers like Thiele & Co have sought the intervention of the Assam chief minister in saving the reduction of tea exports from Assam," said Joydeep Phukan, secretary and principal officer at TRA Tocklai. "The alternatives such as Chlorfenapyr, Tolfenpyrad, and Flupyradifurone are not approved for use in tea by CIBRC India," he added. German tea importer Thiele & Freese has appealed to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for support against these restrictions, emphasising the critical situation with "Assam tea in danger." The traditional East Frisian tea, of which Assam tea is an integral part, is recognised as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, dating back some 450 years. "With an annual per capita consumption of 300 litres, our region ranks among the top globally in tea consumption," read the letter. The letter emphasised that premium second flush Assam teas are crucial for high-quality blends, declaring "Assam tea is indispensable."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam tea industry raises concerns over new EU regulations impacting exports
New EU regulations restricting key chemical compounds in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam, have sparked concerns about potential export disruptions. GUWAHATI: The Tea Research Association Tocklai (TRA Tocklai) in Assam, recognised as the world's oldest and largest tea research facility, has raised serious concerns about new European Union Commission regulations restricting three chemical compounds commonly used in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam. According to officials, the regulations will lower the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin to 0.05 ppm from March 2026. Similar constraints for Thiacloprid were effective from May. These substances are essential for controlling pests in tea plantations. Various Indian organisations, including the Tea Board, TRA Tocklai, Department of Commerce, and Indian Embassy in the EU, have approached DG Sanco and DG Trade of the EU, requesting time to phase out existing chemicals until alternatives receive approval. India's tea exports to the EU and UK amount to 53 million kgs per annum, predominantly from Assam. These regulations can impact the supply of 40 million kgs from Assam every year. EU and UK importers are worried about purchasing Indian teas, as they maintain tea stocks for 12-24 months, potentially facing compliance issues when the new regulations take effect. Indian Embassy representatives in Brussels are scheduled to meet EU officials in early June to address trade matters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artrose? Esta joelheira biônica pode ajudar a renovar seu joelho LegFix Undo The Embassy has sought information from TRA Tocklai and the Tea Board regarding alternative substances, transition plans, and scientific evidence supporting extension requests, along with the potential effects of neonicotinoid restrictions on tea exports. TRA Tocklai has petitioned senior EU officials for a five-year transition period from current chemicals to newer alternatives. "Since good Assam orthodox teas are exported to the EU and UK, the new EU regulation may cause a major hindrance to exports, and reputed tea importers like Thiele & Co have sought the intervention of the Assam chief minister in saving the reduction of tea exports from Assam," said Joydeep Phukan, Secretary and Principal Officer at TRA Tocklai. "The alternatives such as Chlofenapyr, Tolfenpyriad, and Flupyridifurone are not approved for use in tea by CIBRC India," he added. German tea importer Thiele & Freese has appealed to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for support against these restrictions, emphasising the critical situation with "Assam tea in danger." The traditional East Frisian tea, of which Assam tea is an integral part, is recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, dating back some 450 years. "With an annual per capita consumption of 300 litres, our region ranks among the top globally in tea consumption," read the letter. The letter emphasised that premium second flush Assam teas are crucial for high-quality blends, declaring "Assam tea is indispensable." It noted that recent EU legal developments threaten the established partnership between Indian and European tea industries. "We understand that the Indian Ministry of Commerce and the Tea Board have sent a formal request to the EU, asking for a three-year extension for the use of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin. A response is still pending," read the letter. The letter warned that export uncertainty could affect Assam this year itself. "We are deeply concerned that Assam could lose one of its most vital export markets, resulting in significant losses in foreign currency revenue. The reputation of Assam tea may suffer, and buyers could turn to alternative origins," read the letter.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India eyes new markets after record-breaking exports: Tea Board
NEW DELHI: India's tea exports have reached a record high, with the country exporting 255 million kilograms of tea worth $924 million in 2024. To sustain this growth, the Tea Board of India is exploring new international markets while maintaining traditional ones. Tea Board India's Deputy Chairman Saurav Pahari on Wednesday highlighted that India's tea exports have increased by 10% from 2023, reaching a 10-year high. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Speaking at an event celebrating International Tea Day in the national capital, Pahari said, "Indian exports are doing very well. It's unprecedented. We exported USD 924 million worth of tea. We're now reaching out to newer markets while maintaining our traditional ones." India is currently the second-largest tea exporter, surpassing Sri Lanka. The Tea Board is targeting non-traditional markets like Canada and Australia, which have shown increasing interest in Indian tea varieties. Live Events The Board plans to enhance tea tasting infrastructure across growing regions and introduce globally certified courses to develop professional tea tasters and establish centers for tea tasting certification that will promote brand value and export readiness. The Tea Board will engage youth in tea-growing regions as master trainers to build a skilled workforce. "Youth in tea growing regions will be engaged as master trainers by partnering with companies," Pahari explained. The Board also announced plans to collaborate with the Spice Board to create innovative tea flavours for export markets, leveraging India's expertise in both sectors. The comprehensive approach combining market expansion, infrastructure development, and skilled workforce training demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening its position in the global tea market. India accounts for 10 per cent of the world's tea exports, sending tea to more than 25 countries, including the UAE, Iran, Russia, the USA, the UK, Iraq, and others. Black tea accounts for 96% of exports. The government has also undertaken several initiatives through the Tea Board, including the formation of more than 300 Self-Help Groups (SHG), more than 400 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) and 17 Farmer Producer Companies (FPC).
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
India eyes new markets after record-breaking exports: Tea Board
TIL Creatives The Tea Board will engage youth in tea-growing regions as master trainers to build a skilled workforce. NEW DELHI: India's tea exports have reached a record high, with the country exporting 255 million kilograms of tea worth $924 million in 2024. To sustain this growth, the Tea Board of India is exploring new international markets while maintaining traditional ones. Tea Board India's Deputy Chairman Saurav Pahari on Wednesday highlighted that India's tea exports have increased by 10% from 2023, reaching a 10-year high. Speaking at an event celebrating International Tea Day in the national capital, Pahari said, "Indian exports are doing very well. It's unprecedented. We exported USD 924 million worth of tea. We're now reaching out to newer markets while maintaining our traditional ones." India is currently the second-largest tea exporter, surpassing Sri Lanka. The Tea Board is targeting non-traditional markets like Canada and Australia, which have shown increasing interest in Indian tea varieties. The Board plans to enhance tea tasting infrastructure across growing regions and introduce globally certified courses to develop professional tea tasters and establish centers for tea tasting certification that will promote brand value and export Tea Board will engage youth in tea-growing regions as master trainers to build a skilled workforce."Youth in tea growing regions will be engaged as master trainers by partnering with companies," Pahari explained. The Board also announced plans to collaborate with the Spice Board to create innovative tea flavours for export markets, leveraging India's expertise in both comprehensive approach combining market expansion, infrastructure development, and skilled workforce training demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening its position in the global tea accounts for 10 per cent of the world's tea exports, sending tea to more than 25 countries, including the UAE, Iran, Russia, the USA, the UK, Iraq, and others. Black tea accounts for 96% of government has also undertaken several initiatives through the Tea Board, including the formation of more than 300 Self-Help Groups (SHG), more than 400 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) and 17 Farmer Producer Companies (FPC).
Canada Standard
22-05-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
India eyes new markets after record-breaking exports: Tea Board
New Delhi [India], 21 May (ANI): India's tea exports have reached a record high, with the country exporting 255 million kilograms of tea worth USD 924 million in 2024. To sustain this growth, the Tea Board of India is exploring new international markets while maintaining traditional ones. Tea Board India's Deputy Chairman Saurav Pahari on Wednesday highlighted that India's tea exports have increased by 10% from 2023, reaching a 10-year high. Speaking at an event celebrating International Tea Day in the national capital, Pahari said, 'Indian exports are doing very well. It's unprecedented. We exported USD 924 million worth of tea. We're now reaching out to newer markets while maintaining our traditional ones.' India is currently the second-largest tea exporter, surpassing Sri Lanka. The Tea Board is targeting non-traditional markets like Canada and Australia, which have shown increasing interest in Indian tea varieties. The Board plans to enhance tea tasting infrastructure across growing regions and introduce globally certified courses to develop professional tea tasters and establish centers for tea tasting certification that will promote brand value and export readiness. The Tea Board will engage youth in tea-growing regions as master trainers to build a skilled workforce. 'Youth in tea growing regions will be engaged as master trainers by partnering with companies,' Pahari explained. The Board also announced plans to collaborate with the Spice Board to create innovative tea flavours for export markets, leveraging India's expertise in both sectors. The comprehensive approach combining market expansion, infrastructure development, and skilled workforce training demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening its position in the global tea market. India accounts for 10 per cent of the world's tea exports, sending tea to more than 25 countries, including the UAE, Iran, Russia, the USA, the UK, Iraq, and others. Black tea accounts for 96% of exports. The government has also undertaken several initiatives through the Tea Board, including the formation of more than 300 Self-Help Groups (SHG), more than 400 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) and 17 Farmer Producer Companies (FPC). (ANI)
