Goyal Presses Tech-Driven, Sustainable Overhaul of India’s Tea Sector

He used a New Delhi forum to push traceable, value‑added products with stakeholder guidance for next steps.

Overview

He urged development of globally marketable varieties and new signature blends to move beyond commodity exports.
He called for sustainable farming, responsible labour standards, and keeping maximum residue levels low to meet buyer expectations.
He pressed for complete supply‑chain traceability, encouraging use of technologies such as blockchain to protect integrity from plucking to export.
He promoted value addition through branded, packaged teas, eco‑friendly packaging, skilling and mechanisation, drip irrigation, and stronger testing capacity.
He highlighted existing support including a Rs 1,000‑crore package and the Chai Sahayog app to help small growers secure better prices.