Arunachal guv bats for state tea policy, branding and market access

Itanagar, Jul 10 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik has called for a comprehensive state tea policy and urged planters to form a representative corporation to help unlock the state's vast potential for premium organic tea production. He also assured that coordinated efforts by the Tea Board and the state government would strengthen the sector through financial support, quality certification, branding and better market access. A delegation of the Arunachal Pradesh Small Tea Growers' Association, led by its president Tadak Gab and general secretary Kapwang Arangham, called on the governor at Lok Bhawan on Thursday to discuss the progress, challenges and future prospects of tea cultivation in the state, a statement informed on Friday. The delegation sought the governor's support for establishing an organic certification facility and a tea auction centre, formulation of a state tea policy and a special support package for the tea-growing districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding. Parnaik said the state has immense potential to produce high-quality organic tea and can make a significant contribution to rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth, particularly in the eastern and foothill districts. He stressed the need for a vibrant and forward-looking State Tea Policy to ensure the sector's sustainable growth. The governor also advised tea growers to establish a representative corporation and approach the state government with a comprehensive proposal outlining their requirements and long-term vision. He also encouraged growers to focus on quality improvement, organic cultivation, value addition and branding to create a distinct identity for Arunachal tea in national and international markets. PTI UPL UPL MNB