Guwahati: The 61st Annual General Meeting of the Tea Research Association (TRA Tocklai) spotlighted innovation, climate resilience, and funding challenges confronting India’s tea sector. The event, held in Kolkata, brought together planters, policymakers, scientists, and international delegates, reaffirming Tocklai’s role as the backbone of industry research.
A major highlight was the launch of TRA’s Decaffeinated Green Tea Powder, unveiled by Tea Board of India Deputy Chairman Arunita Phukan Yadav. Developed from Assam’s elite clones TV 9, 11, and 12, the powder contains 75% less caffeine than regular green tea while retaining high antioxidant levels.
Created by TRA scientists Dr. Padma Pallav and Dr. Himanshu Deka, the product is designed to tap into the growing global wellness tea market.
TRA Secretary Joydeep Phukan said the innovation could compete with Japanese Matcha, which is facing supply shortages, potentially positioning Assam and Bengal as hubs for high-value health teas.
The AGM also marked the launch of a patented AI-based germplasm characterisation tool developed by TRA scientists Dr. Shuvam Dutta, Dr. Pritom Choudhury, and Dr. Sangita Borchetia.
Using image analysis and machine learning, the tool predicts drought tolerance in tea plants, enabling faster varietal development and boosting climate resilience across plantations.
TRA Chairperson Nayantara Palchoudhuri flagged concerns over the widening research funding gap.
While China invests about ₹110 crore annually in tea research, India’s allocation stands at just ₹30 crore. She urged the government, large estates, and small growers to contribute their dues to sustain TRA’s work.
To diversify resources, TRA announced the formation of a High-Level Committee to explore revenue options such as property development and expanding membership to include small growers and the bought-leaf sector.
Delivering a special lecture, Dr. A. Arunachalam, Director of ICAR Central Agroforestry Research Institute, highlighted the benefits of integrating trees into tea plantations. Agroforestry, he said, could improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and offer planters alternative revenue streams.
Presenting the year’s progress, TRA Tocklai Director Dr. Venkat Selvaraj said the institute has developed new climate-resilient clones and advanced integrated pest and disease management strategies.
Precision agriculture has also been a focus, with IoT-based monitoring tools being tested to optimise field management. Meanwhile, product diversification has led to specialty teas and nutraceuticals.
Selvaraj stressed that the overarching goal is to ensure cutting-edge science translates into practical solutions for both large plantations and small tea growers.
Also Read: The Untold Story of Assam’s Tea: Why men matter as much as women