Tea Growers Seek Equal Benefits as Farmers in Welfare Schemes

Small tea growers in India hope to be recognized as farmers to receive benefits under agricultural welfare schemes. With STGs contributing over 51% to tea production, the Parliamentary Standing Committee recommends extending schemes like PMFBY to them. The issue of pesticide residue hindering exports also needs addressing.

Small tea growers nationwide are advocating for their inclusion in agricultural welfare schemes, seeking recognition on par with traditional farmers. This stance was highlighted by the Confederation of India Small Tea Growers Association's president, Bijoy Gopal Chakraborty, on Monday. STGs, with their substantial contribution exceeding 51% of the country's tea production, largely operate on land parcels under one acre.

The 188th report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce recommends that STGs be integrated into existing welfare programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. This extension of benefits aims to equalize opportunities with the agriculture sector. The commerce ministry is expected to positively address these calls, which aim to revise eligibility criteria, affording STGs the same privileges as farmers.

Additionally, the committee recognized the export challenges posed by the maximum residue limits of pesticides, which threaten EU market access. To mitigate these issues, the commerce ministry is urged to engage with EU authorities, ensuring rationalized pesticide standards for better international trade relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)