The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently organized an interactive session in Coonoor. The session aimed to enhance awareness of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for tea cultivation. This session was supported by the Tea Board and Confederation of Indian Industry Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (CII FACE).
Good Agricultural Practices for Small Tea Growers (STGs)
The session delved into various crucial aspects, including FSSAI notifications on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides. FSSAI also emphasized the significance of maintaining a recommended time gap between pesticide spraying and tea leaf plucking. This ensures adherence to safety norms. The Health Secretary & Commissioner Food Safety, Tamil Nadu, commended the Capacity Building program and pledged support for initiatives aimed at uplifting STGs’ practices.
Additionally, the Executive Director, FSSAI, underscored the importance of continuous guidance and support for STGs in enhancing Good Agricultural Practices. The Executive Director, Tea Board (South-India Zonal Office), emphasized the criticality of traceability in the tea value chain and stressed the need to bolster support for STGs, who significantly contribute to the country’s tea production.
Furthermore, over 70 STGs actively participated in the interactive session, followed by a training session focused on raising awareness and ensuring compliance with FSSAI-recommended MRLs in Tea. Experts from CII FACE and other industry partners conducted the training. Looking ahead, FSSAI, in collaboration with industry partners like CII FACE, plans to roll out a comprehensive capacity-building initiative in various tea-growing clusters across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal.
Above all, India, the second-largest tea producer globally, with approximately 900,000 tonnes/year, boasts tea-growing regions like Darjeeling, Nilgiris, and Assam. Moreover, tea stands as the world’s second most-consumed beverage, with significant consumption in countries like China, India, Turkey, and Pakistan. Through such initiatives, stakeholders aim to elevate tea production standards, ensuring the safety and hygiene of this beloved beverage.
