KOLKATA: The Tea Research Association (TRA) has highlighted a significant funding gap in India’s tea research, noting that the country spends just Rs 30 crore annually on crop development, compared with over Rs 110 crore invested each year by China, the world’s largest tea producer.
TRA, which focuses on research and development in the sector, is facing serious financial challenges, according to its chairperson, Nayantara Palchoudhuri. She urged greater industry participation to prevent a worsening crisis.
“More than 50% of our member entities are not paying their dues, leading to severe funding shortfalls,” Palchoudhuri said at TRA’s annual general meeting on Friday. “While China invests Rs 110 crore annually in tea research, India contributes only Rs 30 crore. This funding gap is a major concern.”
She emphasized that both the government and large estates should increase their support for tea research. To overcome resource constraints, Palchoudhuri proposed forming a committee to explore new revenue models, such as property development and expanding TRA’s membership to include small growers and bought-leaf factories.
TRA has made notable strides despite these challenges, including developing climate-resilient clones, improving pest management, implementing IoT-based monitoring systems, and diversifying products to include specialty teas.
