Dibrugarh: In a move aimed at bolstering Assam‘s tea industry, Assam Commerce and Industry Minister Bimal Borah inaugurated a state-of-the-art Mobile Residue Testing Laboratory at the Teamafco tea factory in Alimur.
This advanced facility, named “Eurofins Agro Laboratories,” comes amidst concerns regarding the use of certain chemicals on tea leaves. The mobile lab will address these concerns by ensuring the quality and safety of tea produced in the region.
Ensuring Quality and Sustainability
“This mobile testing lab is a much-needed step for the sustainability of the tea industry,” stated Minister Borah.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to prescribed guidelines for the benefit of the entire industry. A meeting with all stakeholders to discuss Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is scheduled for June 22nd, 2024, under the Chief Minister’s leadership.
A First for Assam’s Tea Industry
The Assam Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers’ Association (ABLTMA) played a key role in bringing this mobile lab to Dibrugarh. “This lab will test tea leaves purchased from small tea growers by Bought Leaf Factories, along with the processed tea they produce,” said ABLTMA President Chand Gohain.
He highlighted the crucial timing of the lab’s launch, mentioning plans for sample collection centers across Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and other locations.
Empowering Tea Growers
Pankaj Jaiminy, Managing Director of Eurofins Analytical Services India, applauded the initiative. “This mobile lab empowers both small and large tea growers by providing accessible, timely, and reliable testing services at their doorstep,” he said. He emphasized the growing global demand for safe, residue-free tea and the importance of meeting these stringent standards.
Safeguarding Assam’s Tea Legacy
The mobile lab will be equipped to swiftly test tea leaves for pesticide residues. This will not only safeguard consumer health but also ensure the integrity and global reputation of Assam’s iconic tea.
Assam’s rich heritage in tea cultivation is a source of immense pride. The mobile testing lab represents a significant step towards ensuring that Assam tea continues to be synonymous with quality, safety, and purity for generations to come.