Indian Tea Return / These countries have now returned India's tea leaves, said- it has more pesticides

Zoom News : Jun 04, 2022, 07:38 AM
Delhi: There is bad news for the tea producers of India. It is reported that high levels of pesticides and chemicals have been found in Indian tea. Due to this, both the international and domestic market have returned the consignment of tea to India. Indian Tea Exporters Association (ITEA) President Anshuman Kanoria has given this information.

Actually, due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the Indian tea industry had a big opportunity to increase its business in the international market, but the use of pesticides and chemicals in excess of the limit has given a big blow.


steady decline in shipments

Tea Board is contemplating to accelerate exports. But there is a steady decline in shipments due to the return of consignments. All tea sold in the country must conform to the norms of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Kanoria, however, told PTI that most of the buyers are buying the same tea, which has unusually high chemical content.


EU rules strict

India exported 195.90 million kg of tea in 2021. The major buyers of Indian tea were Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) Nation and Iran. The board has set a target of exporting 300 million kg of tea this year. Kanoria said that many countries are following strict entry regulation rules for tea. Most countries follow European Union (EU) standards, which are more stringent than FSSAI regulations.

demand for relaxation of rules

He said that instead of following the law, many people are demanding further relaxation of FSSAI norms from the government. Kanoria said this would give a wrong signal as tea is considered a health drink. A senior official of the Tea Board told PTI that complaints have been received from tea packers and exporters on the issue. India exported tea worth Rs 5,246.89 crore in 2021.


the trouble caused by this

In the last few years, due to climate change, the tea gardens have changed a lot. Pests are at increased risk due to heavy rains or prolonged drought. According to reports, the leaves are often plucked only after the pesticide use is over. This is because of the traces of pesticide left on the tea leaves. The leaves are usually plucked about 10 to 20 days after the insecticide has been sprayed. If this is not followed, they are prone to contain more pesticides.

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