Tea Board looking at tea tasting certification course to skill youth: Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal

New Delhi: The Tea Board of India will explore the possibility of launching certification courses in tea tasting to skill the youth and promote tea literacy and tourism in the sector, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said Wednesday on the International Tea Day.

“The Tea Board is trying to take steps to establish a centre for tea tasting certification courses in the country,” Barthwal said, adding that this will also contribute to promoting tea tourism.

India’s tea exports rose to $920 million in FY25 from $830 million in FY24. Major producing states include Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, with 81% of the production consumed domestically.

Such courses will provide structured training in tea tasting segment as it is a specialised skill essential to the industry. It would also help standardise tasting practices and provide young professionals with a recognised qualification.

Main varieties of tea in India include Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, and Kangra.