CropLife India; the association of leading domestic and multinational R&D driven crop science companies; initiated Workshops to train the Small Tea Growers meet the compliance standards of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and maximum residue level (MRL) parameters for crop protection products. The Workshops will be organized in collaboration with Tocklai Tea Research Institute and Jalpaiguri District Small Tea Growers Association; with an objective of creating mass awareness and sensitizing Small Tea Growers for safe &responsible use of Crop Protection Products (CPPs) for tea cultivation.
The tea industry is grappling with a significant crisis in meeting the guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), particularly regarding the use of only approved crop protection products. One of the key challenges has been the lack of laboratories for testing green tea leaves and made teas in the tea-growing regions, which has led to non-compliance with FSSAI norms. Amid this situation, Small Tea Growers (STGs) are the hardest hit.
A delegation from CropLife India recently met with Shri Pradip Kumar Mazumdar, Hon’ble Minister-In-Charge for Panchayat & Rural Development, Government of West Bengal, to apprise him of the ongoing campaign.
In North Bengal, approximately 50,000 small tea growers are active, supported by around 248 bought-leaf factories that source green leaves from them.
Shri Pradip Kumar Mazumdar, Hon’ble Minister-In-charge, Panchayat & Rural Development, Government of West Bengal appreciated the efforts of CropLife India and said, “The Small Tea Growers contribute more than 65% of the total tea production in West Bengal, with cultivation spread across districts such as Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar. Educating and creating awareness amongst the Small Tea Growers (STGs) will significantly improve their livelihoods, making it a noble and valuable initiative for CropLife India”.
Mr. Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India said, “CropLife India, has been pioneering farmer awareness projects since its inception. We have been working with the farmers towards their empowerment, to raise awareness on the responsible and safe use of Crop Protection Products along with usage of Personal Protective Equipment. We collaborated with Jalpaiguri District Small Tea Growers Association and Tocklai Tea Research Institute to design a campaign, aimed specifically at the Small Tea Growers and addressing the clear concepts of pre-harvest interval”.
The workshops are designed to educate farmers on how to properly use CPPs while ensuring they meet the regulatory compliance standards of FSSAI. The primary focus of this initiative is to help tea growers align with the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) parameters set by FSSAI, which are critical for ensuring the safety and quality of tea for consumers. This unique educational drive aims to provide tea farmers, particularly those in small-scale farming operations, with essential knowledge and practical guidance on the safe and effective use of CPPs. By doing so, the initiative ensures that the tea produced meets food safety regulations, which is crucial for both domestic consumption and export markets.
Through workshops, field demonstrations, and awareness campaigns, CropLife India seeks to enhance the capacity of small tea growers to improve their agricultural practices, boost productivity, and ensure the sustainability of the tea industry in India. The campaign also supports the growers in achieving better market access by meeting international standards of food safety.
The crop protection industry has significantly contributed to Indian agriculture over the past 78 years and remains dedicated to fostering growth and sustainability. Our commitment to enhancing agricultural practices and supporting farmers is unwavering as we move forward together. CropLife India members are not only committed to bring latest and safer innovations and are equally committed to educate farmers on their safe and responsible use. CropLife and its member companies would like to continue to contribute in creating a science-based, pragmatic and stable regulatory environment.
