National Conference
on
Safe Tea Production
Policy, Compliance & Sustainable Practices
Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi | 1st August, 2025
With the support of
Supported by
Why This Dialogue Matters.
About the Conference
Conference Objectives
Reflect on priority reforms in India’s tea sector
Explore mechanisms to integrate policy and practice across state and grassroots levels
Build consensus on immediate policy actions and chart a roadmap for long-term sustainability
Discuss institutional roles for bodies such as the Tea Board, TRA, CIB&RC, ICAR, Tea manufacturers, BLFs, and STG associations in ensuring compliance, safety, and resilience.
About the Conference
Session I: Regulatory Frameworks & Policy
India’s tea sector operates within a multi-agency regulatory landscape involving the Tea Board of India,
FSSAI, CIB&RC and state oversight bodies. Over recent years, significant progress has been made in
aligning national residue standards with international benchmarks, strengthening traceability systems,
and enforcing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for commonly used pesticides.
India’s tea sector operates within a multi-agency regulatory landscape involving the Tea Board of India,
FSSAI, CIB&RC and state oversight bodies. Over recent years, significant progress has been made in
aligning national residue standards with international benchmarks, strengthening traceability systems,
and enforcing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for commonly used pesticides.
Key discussion points include:
- Evaluating existing frameworks like the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
- Understanding the roles of key ministries (Social Justice, Health, Finance, Rural Development).
- Addressing gaps in awareness, implementation, and coordination across sectors.
- Benchmarking Indian policy responses with global practices.
The session will bring together regulators, scientists and industry representatives to chart a
stronger compliance ecosystem that protects both livelihoods and public health.
Session II: Bridging the Gap – Strengthening the Role of State & Regional Organisations
While national frameworks exist, many Small Tea Growers (STGs) and Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs) continue to face challenges in translating policy into day-to-day practice. Limited technical capacity, informal advisory networks, and restricted access to safe agricultural inputs often result in non-compliance and unsustainable practices.
This session focuses on closing the policy-to-practice gap through state-led action, institutional support and grower empowerment.
Key discussion points include:
- Strengthening state-level extension systems and compliance oversight.
- Improving training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
- Promoting soil health management, clone selection and safer inputs.
- Role of industry associations, cooperatives and producer groups in last-mile outreach.
- Use of digital tools for advisories, traceability, real-time monitoring and market linkages.
- Collaborative pilots for residue reduction and sustainable cultivation models.
The session aims to build practical, scalable pathways ensuring that regulatory reforms meaningfully reach growers on the ground.
Join Us
This conference is a step towards building an inclusive and supportive environment for India’s ageing population. Whether you are a policymaker, healthcare provider, entrepreneur, or citizen advocate, your insights and engagement are critical.
