In a significant move to protect India’s tea industry, the Tea Board of India is set to introduce a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at curbing illegal and low-quality tea imports. The decision is expected to bring relief to tea producers, garden owners, and workers, particularly in West Bengal’s tea-growing regions.
For a long time, tea estates in Darjeeling and North Bengal have been facing challenges due to the influx of cheap, inferior-quality imported tea. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns that such imports disrupt market prices, affect the reputation of Indian tea, and cause financial losses to domestic producers.
According to sources, the proposed SOP will focus on stricter monitoring of imported tea, including checks on quality standards, country of origin, customs regulations, and marketing practices. Surveillance in border areas is also likely to be strengthened to prevent illegal entry of tea into domestic markets.
A senior Tea Board official stated that illegal imports not only harm the economic stability of the tea sector but also pose a risk to India’s global brand image in the tea market. The new SOP aims to establish a transparent and effective regulatory mechanism to address these issues.
Tea industry associations have welcomed the move, stating that timely implementation of the SOP will help ensure fair pricing for tea growers and improve job security for thousands of workers dependent on the industry.
Economic experts believe that the tea industry is a vital pillar of West Bengal’s economy. Effective control over illegal imports could strengthen the sector, boost exports, and enhance the competitiveness of Indian tea in international markets.
Overall, the Tea Board’s initiative is being viewed as a timely and crucial step toward safeguarding the future of the tea industry and restoring balance in the domestic tea market.
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