Guwahati: The Tea Association of India (TAI) applauds the Tea Board’s decision to mandate 100% auctioning of dust tea grades. TAI President Sandeep Singhania emphasized the importance of industry collaboration to achieve this initiative’s goals.
“For the planting community’s benefit. We urge a unified voice to avoid jeopardizing this Ministry of Commerce & Industry effort,” Singhania stated.
The move follows concerns raised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding tea compliance. The auction system aims to identify compliant sources and address contamination issues at the root.
Dust tea, representing roughly 20% of North Indian production, serves as a starting point for this restructuring. Stakeholders unanimously supported the proposal during a January 6th meeting with the Union Commerce & Industry Minister.
Subsequently, the Ministry mandated 100% dust tea auctions through a February 23rd notification. The Tea Board implemented this for a three-month trial period starting April 1st. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the auctions were released on April 22nd.
TAI reiterates its support for FSSAI, the Tea Board, and the Ministry’s commitment to providing safe tea to consumers.
The association has advised its members on the appropriate use of approved chemicals to ensure compliant production.
However, the Assam Bought Leaf Manufactures Association (ABLMA) has expressed concerns. They have threatened to close 350 factories, potentially impacting over 1.24 lakh small tea growers in Assam, due to the new regulations.