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Kolkata , Dec. 14

THE Tea Board is considering a comprehensive package for the bulk producers to help them maintain the quality of tea, according to its Chairman, Mr Naba Kumar Das.

Addressing the 15th annual general meeting of the Darjeeling Planters' Association (DPA) here, he said that the board is keen to help the planters in producing good quality teas."We are trying to work out a package whereby every aspect of tea production will be covered. It will not be restricted to any particular quality of tea or to any single stage of production. It will be a comprehensive package," Mr Das said.

According to him, Tea Board has submitted a detailed report to UNESCO for the project on the total development of Darjeeling, with focus on the plantation area. UNESCO had already expressed interest in the development of the hill town after Darjeeling Toy Train, second highest in the world, was recognised as a World Heritage Railway.

Mr Das urged the tea companies to participate in this development project. He clarified that the proposal has just been submitted and UNESCO was yet to make any commitment.

Meanwhile, commenting on the future prospects of the tea industry, Mr Das said that there has been some stimulation of demand for all types of teas. The overall tea production in North India will be around 680 million kg (mkg) against 632 mkg in 2002.

Earlier, Mr K.S. David, the outgoing Chairman of DPA, said that the average production of Darjeeling tea has dropped to 8 mkg from 14 mkg. However, Mr Das said that Darjeeling tea production and prices have registered nominal growth in 2003.

According to him, Darjeeling tea production during January-October 2003 was 10.4 mkg against 9.1 in the corresponding period of 2002. The average price realisation in 2003 was Rs 148 per kg against Rs 135 per kg last year.

However, total tea exports from India during 2003 will be registering a huge fall owing to the loss of the Iraq market. In 2003, tea exports are likely to end at around 165 mkg against 198 mkg in 2002.

Mr A. Sengupta, the newly appointed Additional Commerce Secretary, said that import duties on tea machinery have been recently reduced to five per cent. "I hope that the tea companies will take full benefit of this opportunity and improve the technological aspect of tea production", he said.

Meanwhile, DPA has submitted a proposal to the West Bengal Government for converting Darjeeling into an agricultural export zone (AEZ).

Mr David felt that it if is accepted then it will change the dynamics of the Darjeeling tea industry and perhaps its fortunes too.

In 2004, DPA will be conducting road shows in Germany, Japan and the US for the generic promotion of Darjeeling tea.

Tea Board has assured all help to DPA for the promotional activity.

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