Glut caused downfall of tea plantation sector: UPASI

Coonoor, Sep 17 (UNI) United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) President J K Thomas today said over production was the main reason for the downfall of tea plantation sector.

Delivering the presidential address during the 114th UPASI annual conference here, Mr Thomas said the Centre should help the plantation sector to compete in the global market.

The Commerce Ministry should extend the incentive package, announced for the plantation sector, for longer period to help India regain the lost position as world's number one tea exporter.

Mr Thomas said the Plantation Labour Act, the Land Reforms Act and the Minimum Wage Act needed a drastic overhaul as these laws were conceived during a completely different economic, political and social milieu.

He said tea exports had taken a beating on account of Rupee appreciation.

There should be separate schemes to compensate the loss incurred by growers due to Rupee appreciation, he said adding that the commodity boards had played a vital role in development and stability of the plantation sector.

UNI