Session on market access for tea growers

Shillong: The state directorate of horticulture hosted a brainstorming session on ‘Enhancing Market Access & Quality Production for Small Tea Growers in Meghalaya’ at the Integrated Agricultural Training Centre in Upper Shillong on Friday which registered participation of experts dedicated to improving the tea industry in the region.
Tea experts, including John Taylor, marketing manager HTPC, Nepal, Sourav Bhagawati from Tea Tech, Guwahati, Parveez Arshad Hussain, Tea Sommelier from Darjeeling shared their insights and perspectives on identifying opportunities and challenges, marketing of tea in international markets, micro and mini tea machinery, and specialty tea manufacturing.
In her address, D Sohtun, director of horticulture, Meghalaya, emphasized on the importance of enhancing market access and quality production for small tea growers in Meghalaya to benefit the state. She noted that tea in Meghalaya is predominantly grown organically, which adds to its appeal.
Tea cultivation brings numerous benefits to the community, society, environment, and economy, including employment opportunities and tea tourism,” Sohtun underscored and maintained that there are several challenges in the sector.