Date:28/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/09/28/stories/2006092803591900.htm

Back Tea buyers concerned at adulteration

Our Bureau

Kochi , Sept. 27

The Tea Buyers Association here has said that it is a matter of concern to the tea sector that adulterated teas including in packets are freely marketed in the State.

Addressing the 33rd annual general meeting of the association, its President, Mr Krishna Kumar J. Shah, said: "Iit is needles to mention that this deplorable practice indulged in by unscrupulous elements has become a real threat to the genuine manufacturers and dealers in tea besides being adversely affecting the joint efforts for the revival of the tea sector". He said this was a health hazard too.

Auction system

The State Government should, therefore, take effective measures to eradicate the presence of adulterated teas from the Kerala market, he said.

The Cochin Tea Auction Centre could maintain its top position in terms of quantity and average auction price among the south Indian auction centres, he said.

The transparent tea auction system helps the growers to get better prices and also contributes sizable revenue to the State exchequer, besides providing a platform for small, medium and big dealers to buy the required types and grades of tea.

"Since there is absolutely no room for cartelisation and the buyer community always want is transparency in the auctions, we are confident that the auction system will survive whatever may be the baseless allegations", he claimed.

Poised for revival

After years of sluggishness, the tea sector is now poised for a revival. Tea production and exports are picking up. The prices are also improving, he said.

The Union Commerce Ministry's Special Purpose Tea Fund to improve productivity through a massive rejuvenation and re-plantation programme on the anvil, the proposal to open and run India tea centres in Cairo and Tehran and the reported move to amend the Plantation Labour Act were welcome measures, he said. Simultaneously, sufficient care had also to be taken by the Central Government for the unrestricted import of low priced teas, he added.