Guwahati Oct 3: The Tea Board of India, under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has launched the Tea Development & Promotion Scheme with a budget of Rs 664.09 crores for the period from 2023-24 to 2025-26 (ending on March 31, 2026).
This comprehensive initiative aims to strengthen the tea industry through a holistic approach, addressing various stages of production, marketing, and development.
“The scheme consists of seven major components, focusing on several crucial aspects of the tea industry, including. The Plantation Development & Quality Upgradation will support efforts to improve the quality of tea production, including enhancing plantations and implementing sustainable agricultural practices,” an official release of the Tea Board of India stated.
Under Tea Promotion and Market Support, efforts will be made to boost the marketing and promotion of Indian tea domestically and internationally.
Under Technological Intervention, the introduction of modern technology in the tea sector, from mechanization to digital tools, is expected to improve efficiency and productivity.
Research and Development: Investments will be made to support innovation and research, driving the development of new varieties and improving existing cultivation techniques.
Welfare and Capacity Building will focus on the welfare of tea workers, including improving working conditions, enhancing skills, and promoting capacity building within the industry.
By covering all facets of the tea industry—right from the field to the cup—the scheme aims to promote holistic growth and ensure the sustainability and global competitiveness of India’s tea sector.
“The Tea Development & Promotion Scheme offers targeted support for the tea industry, including financial assistance for replantation to larger tea gardens (with areas exceeding 10.12 hectares) that are registered with the Tea Board,” the release stated.
“Additionally, the scheme extends financial support for raising nurseries with quality cultivars to a range of beneficiaries, such as individual entrepreneurs, small tea growers (STGs), start-ups, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), and farmer-producer companies (FPCs),” it said.
This initiative aims to boost domestic tea consumption and improve price realization while increasing India’s share in the global tea export market, making the tea industry more sustainable.
The Tea Board asked the stakeholders to find detailed guidelines and modalities for the scheme on the Tea Board’s official website: www.teaboard.gov.in. All services related to the scheme’s implementation will be available online via the “Service Plus” Portal: serviceonline.gov.in. Electronic payments will be made following the government-prescribed procedure,” it further stated.
The Tea Board urged the interested parties to begin applying online from October 15, 2024. The tentative cut-off dates for specific activities under the scheme will be announced separately on the Tea Board’s website.
