By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 1: In a bid to better the tea industry in the region, the Directorate of Horticulture, Meghalaya, hosted a brainstorming session titled ‘Enhancing Market Access & Quality Production for Small Tea Growers in Meghalaya’ at the Integrated Agricultural Training Centre in Upper Shillong on Friday.
During the programme, Director of Horticulture, DC Sohtun, emphasised the importance of enhancing market access and quality production for small tea growers in Meghalaya and the benefits of organic tea cultivation to the state’s economy and environment.
Challenges such as high costs and low productivity were also acknowledged.
On the other hand, ML Suiam from the Directorate of Food Processing highlighted the state’s efforts in promoting high-value tea products despite challenges such as limited market access.
Noting that Meghalaya has seen significant growth over the past three and a half to four decades, Suiam highlighted their efforts to promote the concept of low-volume, high-value products.
Acknowledging that challenges, such as limited market access and quality production, needed to be addressed, he said some key brands produced in Meghalaya have gained acceptance in both domestic and international markets.
The programme was also attended by experts from Nepal and Assam, who shared insights on opportunities, challenges and marketing strategies for tea production.