Coonoor: The Indian tea industry should create a strong brand that is recognized internationally, said Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
The centenary celebration of the UPASI Tea Research Centre in Coonoor, Nilgiris district, began yesterday. C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated it. UPASI Chairman Ajay Tippayya welcomed the gathering. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presided.
Speaking after releasing the festival souvenir, C.P. Radhakrishnan said: UPASI has been serving the small and large plantation owners of South India for the past 100 years. Attention must be paid not only to production, but also to quality products, value addition, and marketing. Although Sri Lanka is a small country, it poses stiff competition to the Indian tea trade.
Therefore, UPAASI should expand its research activities to reduce production costs, improve quality, and introduce various new technologies. The Indian tea industry should not focus only on bulk sales and trade, but should come forward to build strong brands recognized at the international level.
Through branding, higher value, better prices, and a stable market can be achieved. In addition, new research centers equipped with modern technological facilities should be established in the tea industry. He said this.
Speaking at the event, Governor Arlekar said, “A person who once sold tea has today risen to become a global leader (Prime Minister Modi). Research, innovation, technological advancement, and quality production are bringing Indian tea fame and recognition worldwide.” Many people, including Tea Board Vice Chairman C. Murugan and Ooty MLA M. Bhojarajan, took part in the ceremony.
