By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A one day workshop programme on “Vision for development of small tea growers and stakeholders of Meghalaya” was organized jointly by the State Directorate of Horticulture and the Tea Development Centre, Umsning on Friday last at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Horticulture, Shillong.
The workshop witnessed the participation of selected small tea growers from three districts of Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills and also stakeholders comprising of tea factory owners from Anderson Tea Company, Slalung Tea Enterprise, Lakyrsiew Tea, Sharawn Tea and Urlong Tea.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. C.O.Rangad, the Director of Horticulture in presence of other dignitaries from the Department and special invitees from other organizations such as Tea Board of India, Tea Research Association, State Bank of India and many others.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rangad pointed out that Meghalaya has the potential to produce one of the finest teas in the country and encouraged the small tea growers and stakeholders of the state to aim for quality produce to create niche markets for their produce.
The Horticulture Development Officer (Tea ) Umsning, Maqbool Lyngdoh Suiam highlighted the objectives and stated that the workshop was the first of its kind on tea cultivation being organized by the Department for which the outcome of the deliberations will help the Government to prepare the future road map of tea cultivation in the state.
The programme was conducted in two technical sessions.