Mumbai-based Girnar Food and Beverages will reduce its usage of plant protection chemicals totally by 2020. This is part of recent initiatives taken by firms producing and marketing tea.

Firms such as Hindustan Unilever and Tata Global Beverages have initiated plans to evaluate environmental friendly methods for tea crop protection in the country. Both the companies have announced their plans to produce all agricultural raw materials through sustainable crop practices by 2020.

“Girnar welcomes and supports initiatives of public interest and for long-term benefits of consumers, environment and stakeholders. It is a step in the right direction for the entire tea industry,” the company said in a statement.

Ongoing scientific research by the Tea Research Institute, in cooperation with the Tea Board of India, along with the inter-governmental not-for-profit organisation CABI will go a long way in improving people's lives by applying scientific expertise to improve practices in agriculture and improve the environment.

In the coming weeks, authorities would review existing crop practices and the limitations of current techniques in India, according to Girnar. In cooperation with theTea Board of India, Tea Research Institute, key industry partners Indian Tea Association and United Planters Association of South India, they will then design protocols for pilot field-trials aimed at investigating novel approaches for biological, non-pesticide management of pests aiming at a holistic rejuvenation of the eco system. These field-trials will be run in partnership with the Tea Board and tea growers on selected estates and will commence during the next growing season.

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