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P.S. Sundar

Coonoor, Sept. 26 Nilgiri tea planters have been advised to go in for organic cultivation and orthodox manufacture.

“Time has come to redesign our production strategy. The future lies in organic and orthodox teas. We should also go for consortium for exports without interfering with individual company’s direct exports,” said Mr P.S. Wallia, former President, United Planters’ Association of Southern India (Upasi), addressing the 117th Annual General Meeting of Nilgiri Planters’ Association (NPA).

As mechanisation can help to face labour shortage, Upasi Tea Research Institute should set up a separate cell to advise planters, he said.

When minimum wages have been notified for plantations, why should planters be asked to bear other social obligations, he asked. “The forecast is that current high prices will rule till November. If prices dip, we will not be able to bear minimum wages. Together with benefits, daily wages now cost Rs 154 a worker to plantations. Upasi should initiate an independent study on wage-related issues,” he said.

The NPA Chairman, Mr K.T. Harsha, urged the Centre to reimburse social costs being incurred by plantations.

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