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Haresh Kathrotiya, Managing Director, G. M. Tea Packers Pvt. Ltd.
As India’s tea industry continues to steep in its legacy and embrace modern demands, the role of regulatory bodies becomes paramount. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stands as the vanguard, ensuring the safety and quality of our teas. As we tread into the next decade, it’s crucial that FSSAI’s agenda propels the tea industry to new heights while preserving its heritage.
Quality Assurance and Standardisation: A Harmonious Blend
In an industry where diversity rivals the myriad flavours of tea, maintaining consistent quality is a formidable challenge. FSSAI’s roadmap must encompass the formulation of rigorous quality benchmarks covering both chemical standards and sensory attributes. This comprehensive approach would shield consumers from subpar products while raising the profile of Indian teas on the global stage.
Sustainability and Traceability: Sip with a Conscience
Modern times demand sustainability. FSSAI’s strategic goals should extend towards advocating sustainable practices across the tea supply chain. This includes promoting eco-friendly cultivation, reducing the carbon footprint, confirming quality plucking, assisting in the procurement of pruning machines and mechanical harvesters and ensuring ethical labour practices. A robust traceability system would provide consumers with insights into the origin and journey of their tea leaves, instilling confidence in authenticity and ethical production. Incorporating sustainability practices in tea cultivation not only ensures the longevity of this age-old tradition but also resonates with the evolving values of conscious consumers. Keeping a check on the environmental impacts of water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining the natural ecosystem should be the priority.
Research and Innovation: Crafting a Brew of Tomorrow
Innovation is the compass guiding us through global competition. FSSAI’s roadmap must prioritise substantial investment in research, yielding novel tea varieties, refined production processes, and innovative blends. This influx of fresh ideas can rejuvenate the industry, catering to evolving consumer preferences and expanding our global tea footprint. Imagine a future where Indian tea not only retains its rich heritage but also boasts unique blends that cater to modern palates. The marriage of tradition and innovation could be the cornerstone of India’s tea industry in the coming decade. Popup tea stalls/mobile tea vans can be a few solutions to promote the tea culture among the millennials thereby endorsing the health benefits associated with the sip of tea.
Digital Transformation: Infusion of Efficiency
As technology revolutionises industries, the tea sector must not lag. FSSAI’s agenda should champion the widespread adoption of digital platforms for certification, quality control, and distribution. A transparent digital ecosystem enhances efficiency, streamlines processes, and bolsters traceability – ensuring that every cup of tea carries an assurance of authenticity. Furthermore, utilising digital platforms can facilitate direct engagement between tea producers and consumers, fostering a deeper understanding of the product and its journey from farm to cup.
Empowering Small Farmers: Nurturing the Roots
The soul of India’s tea industry resides in the labour of small tea farmers. FSSAI’s agenda should foster partnerships to empower these stakeholders. By disseminating knowledge, providing resources, and ensuring fair pricing, the industry can uplift these unsung heroes, fostering sustainability from the grassroots. Spreading the benefits of modern farming techniques and offering access to global markets can transform the lives of small tea farmers, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality tea while enriching rural communities. Vesting training modules for the farmers and upgrading their skills to cater to the demand of modern methods of farming hereby improving their livelihoods amidst a better sustainable work culture.
Global Competitiveness: Sailing Beyond Horizons
The world awaits, and India’s tea industry must rise to the challenge. FSSAI’s strategic goals should encompass collaborations with trade bodies and governments to navigate international regulations. This proactive approach can elevate exports, positioning Indian teas as a global choice. Leveraging India’s reputation for producing fine teas, strategic partnerships could facilitate greater market access, enabling Indian teas to grace the cups of enthusiasts across the world.
Consumer Awareness: Savouring Authenticity
Informed consumers are discerning consumers. FSSAI’s agenda should focus on creating awareness about tea quality and the benefits of genuine, high-quality teas. This educational drive can elevate demand for quality products and deter counterfeit teas. A tea-savvy populace can drive demand for authenticity, pushing the industry to consistently prioritise quality over quantity.
Regulatory Agility: Adapting to Change
As the tea industry metamorphoses, FSSAI’s role must evolve accordingly. An agile regulatory framework accommodating innovative practices and emerging trends while maintaining safety and quality standards is crucial for a vibrant industry. The dynamic nature of the tea industry demands regulations that can adapt swiftly to new challenges and opportunities, promoting growth while ensuring the welfare of both consumers and producers.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: A Unified Brew
Success is a symphony of collaboration. Dialogues between FSSAI, industry players, and research institutions can unveil challenges, devise solutions, and steer the industry towards comprehensive growth. Collaborative efforts can result in a more robust industry that leverages the expertise of various stakeholders, from tea growers to researchers and policymakers.
Celebrating Diversity: A Symphony of Flavors
India’s tea industry celebrates regional diversity. FSSAI’s agenda must applaud this tapestry of flavours, recognising unique tea cultures while maintaining stringent safety and quality standards. Encouraging regional diversity while ensuring consistent quality can enrich the variety offered to consumers, making every cup of Indian tea a unique experience.
As we peer into the canvas of the next decade, India’s tea industry is poised for greatness. FSSAI’s strategic agenda holds the power to craft a vibrant tapestry where Indian teas epitomise excellence and authenticity. As a part of the tea industry, I envision a landscape where every cup weaves a narrative of innovation, tradition, and quality—a vision harmoniously aligned with FSSAI’s mandate. Just as a perfectly brewed cup of tea brings harmony to the senses, FSSAI’s role in shaping the industry’s future can orchestrate harmony in India’s tea landscape, ensuring a decade of growth, sustainability, and delight for consumers worldwide.