Itanagar, July 10 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) said on Friday that the state possesses immense potential to produce high-quality organic tea and can make a significant contribution to rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth, particularly in its eastern and foothill districts.

A delegation of the Arunachal Pradesh Small Tea Growers’ Association, led by its President Tadak Gab and General Secretary Kapwang Arangham, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan.

A Lok Bhavan official said the delegation apprised Governor Parnaik of the progress made in tea cultivation in the state, the challenges being faced by growers and the future prospects of the sector.

The delegation also sought the Governor’s support for strengthening the tea industry by establishing an organic certification facility and a tea auction centre, formulating a comprehensive state Tea Policy and providing a special support package for the tea-growing districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding, the official said.

Governor Parnaik advised the tea growers to establish a representative corporation and engage with the state government through a comprehensive and well-structured proposal outlining their immediate requirements as well as their long-term vision for the sector.

Expressing optimism about the future of the tea industry in Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor said that coordinated efforts by the Tea Board and the state government would enable tea growers to access financial assistance, quality certification, value-addition opportunities, branding initiatives and wider market linkages.

He added that these measures would enhance the competitiveness of Arunachal Pradesh tea, improve the livelihoods of tea growers and position the state as a recognised producer of premium-quality tea.

He also encouraged tea growers to focus on quality enhancement, organic cultivation, value addition and branding to create a distinct identity for Arunachal Pradesh tea in both national and international markets.

He advised the Association to leverage modern technology, digital marketing platforms and e-commerce channels to expand market access, improve profitability and strengthen the visibility of Arunachal tea.

The members of the Association expressed their gratitude to Governor Parnaik for his continued interest in the welfare of tea growers and for his valuable guidance towards making Arunachal Pradesh a recognised hub for premium and organic tea production.

–IANS

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