The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the Centenary Conference of the UPASI Tea Research Foundation and emphasized the need for research, modernization, cost-effectiveness, quality improvement, market responsiveness, branding, value addition, collaboration, institutional expansion, welfare of plantation workers, and exploration of domestic markets.
On September 21, 2026, Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the Centenary Conference of the UPASI (United Planters’ Association of Southern India) Tea Research Foundation at Coonoor, The Nilgiris. During his address, he emphasized the need for research and modernization in the tea sector. He urged expanding research in areas that can improve cost-effectiveness, quality, and productivity. The Vice President also highlighted the importance of educating planters on maintaining quality and responding to changing market requirements.
The global tea market's increasing competitiveness was noted by Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan. He called for Indian tea producers and exporters to move beyond bulk tea and develop strong Indian brands, with a focus on marketing effectiveness, improved revenues, and addressing challenges faced by the plantation sector.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan suggested that stakeholders come together to market Indian tea under strong brands, which could help improve market positioning as well as revenues and prices. He also called upon UPASI to use its centenary year to create a lasting institutional landmark by expanding the tea research network to more locations and equipping research centers with modern facilities.
Highlighting the important role of plantation workers, the Vice-President called for greater attention to their welfare. He emphasised that the welfare of plantation workers must remain an integral part of the growth and sustainability of the industry.
The Vice-President stressed the importance of value addition in tea and called upon leading stakeholders to work together to identify new products, processes, and market opportunities. He pointed out that India has the advantage of being both a major tea-producing and tea-consuming country and urged the industry to make greater use of its large domestic market.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
