Darjeeling, July 14 (KNN) Addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Darjeeling Tea Association here today, President Pranab Mukherjee said tea is an important export commodity of India and promotion of tea exports a major element of India's planned economic development.

Mukherjee complimented the Association for having upheld the unique brand name of ‘Darjeeling Tea’ which is a welcome item on the breakfast tables of people in large number of countries.

India ranks second in the world in tea production next only to China. Darjeeling Tea has unique place amongst all varieties of tea, especially for connoisseurs.

Mukherjee congratulated the Darjeeling Tea Association and Gorkha Territorial Administration for having worked in association with Central and State Government as well as the Tea Board to register the Darjeeling Tea as the country’s first geographical indication under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999.

He said Darjeeling Tea is India’s first product recognized by the European Commission as a Protected Geographical Indication.

The President said now Darjeeling Tea has become synonymous with one of the best brands of tea in the world, originating from one of the most beautiful tourist destinations of India, that is Darjeeling.