Piyush Goyal Calls for Innovation, Traceability and Sustainability to Build India’s Global Tea Leadership

Shri Goyal said that while India enjoys international recognition for its classic teas, the time has come to develop a broader catalogue of globally appealing products.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal delivered a comprehensive vision for the future of India’s tea sector while addressing the Sankalp Foundation’s National Conference on Safe Tea Production in New Delhi. Highlighting the vibrancy and cultural significance of Indian tea, the Minister emphasised that India must not only preserve its legendary tea heritage—represented by Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra, and other iconic varieties—but also boldly expand into new global markets with innovative blends, sustainable production, and high-value exports.

Moving Beyond Tradition: A Call for Innovation

Shri Goyal said that while India enjoys international recognition for its classic teas, the time has come to develop a broader catalogue of globally appealing products. He urged the industry to create signature blends tailored to evolving global consumer preferences—ranging from wellness-focused teas, herbal fusions, immunity-boosting infusions, and premium lifestyle beverages that appeal to markets in Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and North America.

To stay competitive in a market shaped by conscious consumerism, he stressed that innovation must be rooted in sustainable cultivation practices, scientific excellence, and strict adherence to low Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) levels.

Research and Agro-Diversity: The Path to High-Value Exports

Noting India's rich agro-climatic diversity across states such as Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the Minister encouraged scientists, agronomists, and research institutions to unlock new tea varieties and high-value niche products.

He said that innovation-driven value addition would help:

• Increase export earnings

• Boost India’s global market share

• Deliver better prices to farmers

• Empower small growers who constitute over 50% of India’s tea producers

Shri Goyal reiterated that sustained experiments, product development, and quality enhancement are essential to keeping India’s tea industry “future-ready” amid shifting global demand.

Safeguarding a Billion-Dollar Industry

India remains one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of tea, with nearly 255 million tonnes exported annually. Shri Goyal underscored the need to protect this vital industry, which not only contributes to foreign exchange earnings but also holds deep cultural and commercial significance in hospitality, trade, and tourism.

He stated that deliberations from the national conference would serve as valuable inputs for policy strengthening, especially for the Ministry and the Tea Board of India.

Government Support for Tea Growers and Workers

Shri Goyal reiterated the commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s government to uplift small tea growers, plantation workers, and allied stakeholders. Key initiatives include:

• A ₹1,000-crore support package for the sector

• The Chai Sahayog App, enabling small growers to secure better prices

• Welfare and skilling measures to enhance livelihoods across tea-growing regions

He said tea remains deeply woven into India's social fabric—an everyday beverage that brings people together and reflects the nation’s hospitality ethos.

Strengthening Trust Through End-to-End Traceability

One of the strongest messages in Shri Goyal’s address was the need for complete traceability across the tea supply chain. He urged scientists and entrepreneurs to explore emerging technologies, particularly blockchain, to build trust and protect India’s reputation for purity and quality.

Such technology can:

• Track every step from plucking to export

• Provide transparency to buyers

• Prevent mixing with inferior or imported varieties

• Ensure authenticity and build premium value

• Help position Indian tea as a trusted global brand

Strengthened traceability, he said, is essential to securing better incomes for farmers and earning long-term confidence from international markets.

Sustainable Practices for a Greener Future

The Minister emphasised that the future of tea production depends on adopting eco-friendly and climate-resilient farming methods. He urged growers to adopt techniques such as:

• Drip irrigation for water efficiency

• Natural pest management

• Soil health restoration

• Rainwater harvesting

• Mulching and organic input usage

He also encouraged the industry to explore biodegradable packaging, recyclable materials, and eco-friendly processes to meet global environmental expectations.

Boosting Global Presence Through Value-Added Products

Shri Goyal highlighted the need to increase India’s share of branded, value-added, and packaged teas in international markets. India must move beyond exporting raw tea as a commodity and invest in premiumisation, brand storytelling, and global marketing campaigns.

He assured that the Ministry of Commerce and Tea Board of India would support international outreach—through trade shows, global expos, buyer–seller meets, and export promotion initiatives.

Technology, Testing, and Quality Assurance

The Minister urged industry stakeholders to adopt next-generation testing equipment, ensure adherence to the highest quality standards, and work closely with regulatory bodies like FSSAI, BIS, and EIC to establish world-class testing infrastructures nationwide.

Additionally, he encouraged tea producers to utilise forecasting tools for weather and pest risks, mechanisation to improve productivity, and skilling programmes that uplift youth in tea-growing communities.

Human Development and Community Welfare

Shri Goyal reminded stakeholders that the progress of the tea sector must also include the upliftment of children and families in tea plantations. Access to education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill-building opportunities must be prioritised to sustain a socially vibrant tea economy.

Storytelling as a Marketing Superpower

The Minister suggested that each tea blend should be marketed with a compelling narrative—its origin, altitude, terroir, tradition, and the unique craftsmanship behind every cup. These stories add emotional value and help Indian teas stand out in competitive global markets.

A Shared Journey Toward Viksit Bharat 2047

Concluding his address, Shri Goyal called on industry leaders, small growers, scientists, and policymakers to work as a united team. He said every cup of Indian tea must reflect quality, history, and trust, and expressed confidence that the tea sector would play a pivotal role in India’s growth story during the Amrit Kaal as the country works toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.