Tea Board of India Hosts Chintan Shivir in Siliguri to Promote Sustainable Tea Cultivation
Siliguri, February 23, 2026 – The Tea Board of India’s Regional Office in Siliguri successfully organised a Chintan Shivir (brainstorming workshop) on February 21, 2026, focused on “Sustainable Practices of Tea Cultivation”.
The one-day event, held in Siliguri, combined intensive technical discussions with the Annual Award Distribution Ceremony for the best-performing Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) of North Bengal.
Key highlights from the programme:
- Technical Sessions: Experts shared insights on critical topics including:
- Organic Tea Cultivation for sustainability and export potential (presented by Shri Rajib Gupta, General Manager, West Jalinga Tea Estate, Cachar, Assam).
- Field Mechanisation of tea harvesting to address labour shortages, cost control, and economic viability (by Dr. P. Murugesan, Advisory Officer, UPASI).
- Integrated Management of Tea Pests with special emphasis on Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) (by Dr. Mridul Sarmah, Ex-Entomologist, TRA, Jorhat).
- Regulatory Compliance of tea with focus on MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits) and pesticide monitoring (by Dr. A.K. Barooah, Ex-Director, TRA, Jorhat).
- Award Distribution: Outstanding SHGs and FPOs from North Bengal were honoured with certificates and cash prizes. Notable winners included groups receiving ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000 cheques from State Bank of India and Tea Board India.
- Speakers & Dignitaries: The event featured addresses by Smt. Arunitta Phukan Yadav (Executive Director, Tea Board India, North East Zonal Office), Shri K.C. Baishya (Deputy Director, Tea Board Regional Office, Siliguri), and other senior officials and industry experts.
The Chintan Shivir aimed to foster dialogue on sustainable tea farming practices, mechanisation, pest management, and compliance with export standards, while recognising grassroots efforts by SHGs and FPOs.
The programme was well-attended by tea growers, SHG/FPO representatives, scientists, and industry stakeholders from North Bengal, reinforcing the Tea Board’s commitment to the region’s tea economy.
