The Tea Board India has issued a directive urging tea estates and small tea growers across the country to refrain from using chemicals or pesticides that lack a label claim for tea on their plantations.
The directive, issued by Rajnigandha Seal Naskar, the Tea Board’s controller of licensing, on 21 December, specifically advises against the use of 20 banned insecticides listed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
These specified insecticides do not carry any label indicating their suitability for tea bushes, raising concerns about the potential impact on the quality of tea produced. The directive emphasises that the presence of such banned insecticides or any other chemicals without a label claim for tea will be viewed seriously by the Tea Board, potentially leading to further actions.
The Tea Board’s directive extends its call to all tea producers’ associations and small tea growers’ associations, urging them to sensitise their members about the importance of adhering to these guidelines.
The Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers’ Associations has welcomed the Tea Board’s initiative, emphasising the need for extensive awareness campaigns among small tea farmers, who contribute significantly, accounting for 55 per cent of the national tea production.
However, associations representing larger tea producers have raised concerns, suggesting that the Tea Board should have conducted research to identify suitable alternatives before implementing such measures. Some planters argue that pest control has become increasingly crucial due to climate change, and a ban on certain pesticides may have implications for tea output. This year’s tea production has already witnessed a marginal decline compared to 2022.
The Tea Board’s move reflects an ongoing effort to maintain and enhance the quality of tea produced in India, balancing environmental concerns and agricultural practices. As stakeholders navigate this directive, discussions about sustainable alternatives and the impact on tea cultivation in the changing climate are likely to gain prominence.
