New Delhi, Nov 11 (KNN) The Indian Tea exporters should focus on high value markets like the European Union, Canada and the US, as well as on brand promotion and marketing, said Piyush Goyal on Friday.

Addressing an event organised by Solidaridad Asia and Indian Tea Association on sustainable tea production, Goyal through a video clip said  that the government is taking steps to help the small tea growers (STGs) which contribute to more than 50 per cent of the country's production.

“Steps have been taken for automatic renewal of their licenses for exports, tea waste and warehousing and efforts are being made to strengthen the STGs and ensure them a safe source of supply to the factories for tea production,” he added.

Trinitea, an association formed by Solidaridad Asia, Indian Tea Association (ITA) and the Quality Council of India, is working only for the STGs by providing a platform for all the producers, big and small.

Managing Director of Solidaridad Asia Shatadru Chattopadhyay said that the STGs will be trained in adopting best agricultural practices and avenue to increase their income levels.

He said the STGs will be encouraged to sell branded teas in packets to get better realisation of their produce.

Chairperson of ITA Nayantara Pal Choudhuri said 75,000 growers have joined the Trinitea programme, both in North and South India.  (KNN Bureau)