President asks Darjeeling tea industry to maintain quality as per the global norm
President asks Darjeeling tea industry to maintain quality as per the global norm

Pranab Mukherjee, President of India has asked the Darjeeling tea industry to maintain high quality and its brand image while complying with global norms. While addressing the packed audience at annual general meeting of Darjeeling Tea Association, President stated that tea production is an important element of the country's planned economic development.

Adding further, President said that currently India is the second largest producer of tea next to China. There are many other countries like Kenya and Sri Lanka which produce tea. Among all teas, Darjeeling tea requires a special mention as it occupies a very unique place particularly for the connoisseurs. He laid heavy emphasis on maintaining high standard while producing tea of export quality. Calling Darjeeling as the spear head of this trade, Pranab Mukherjee asked the producers to uphold the quality and brand name of Darjeeling tea.

India’s annual tea production accounts for one lakh tons, making it the second largest producer of tea after China whose annual production is a million tons. The President said Darjeeling Tea has the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which is to protect the rights of special products in specified countries, and it was essential that producers comply with the formalities as it would be advantageous for them.

While complementing the Darjeeling Tea Association, he stated that due to the efforts of the association, the brand ‘Darjeeling Tea’ has emerged as one of the preferred tea brand globally and people are getting hooked to it.

The tea estates in Darjeeling have reportedly been ailing for long and incurring losses due to various accounts. The Darjeeling tea industry provides employment to one lakh workers, including 40,000 seasonal workers.

 
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