Sabour: A high-level review meeting for the Centre of Excellence on Tea was convened on January 10, 2025, at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour. The session, chaired by BAU’s Director of Research, brought together key stakeholders, including the nodal officer of the Tea Excellence Centre at DKC Kishanganj, scientists, and the Deputy Director of Research (DDR), highlighting a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to advancing tea cultivation in the region.
In his address, BAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. D.R. Singh, underscored the strategic importance of the Tea Research Centre (TRC) at DKC Kishanganj. He stated, “The Tea Research Centre in Kishanganj serves as a beacon of innovation and growth for tea-growing communities in Bihar. With a focus on climate-resilient practices, quality enhancement, and market-oriented strategies, the centre is poised to transform Kishanganj into a hub of excellence in tea cultivation. Our commitment lies in empowering farmers with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring improved livelihoods and positioning Bihar’s tea industry on national and international platforms.”
The Director of Research, Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, emphasized fostering collaboration among researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to maximize the centre’s impact and align its goals with broader agricultural advancements. The meeting primarily assessed the progress of various research projects underway at the centre.
Addressing regional challenges and advancing research
Detailed presentations highlighted progress in areas such as genetic improvement of tea varieties, pest and disease management, and soil fertility enhancement. Discussions centred on addressing unique regional challenges, including fluctuating weather patterns, declining soil quality, and pest infestations that directly affect tea yield and quality. Special focus was given to adopting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices to ensure the long-term viability of tea cultivation in Kishanganj.
Participants explored integrating modern technologies such as remote sensing, precision agriculture, and automated irrigation systems to optimize productivity. Emphasis was placed on balancing environmental sustainability with productivity through the use of organic fertilizers, natural pest control measures, and advanced irrigation techniques.
Enhancing tea quality and market competitiveness
The meeting also reviewed initiatives aimed at improving tea quality and establishing stronger market linkages. Discussions included strategies for branding and certification to boost the competitiveness of Kishanganj tea in national and international markets. Efforts to promote value-added products such as specialty teas and herbal blends as a means of diversifying income opportunities for tea producers were also deliberated.
Farmer training and community engagement
The role of extension services in bridging the gap between research findings and ground-level implementation was highlighted as a key component. Ongoing training programs and workshops at the centre, aimed at educating farmers on innovative cultivation techniques and sustainable practices, were commended. Suggestions were made to expand these efforts through farmer field schools, digital platforms, and community-based initiatives to maximize their reach and impact.
A vision for the future
The Director of Research lauded the centre’s progress and urged the team to remain focused on establishing Kishanganj as a leading tea cultivation hub in eastern India. He stressed the importance of fostering partnerships with national and international research organizations, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to enhance innovation and drive economic growth in the tea sector.
The meeting concluded with actionable recommendations, including scaling up successful research projects, addressing emerging challenges, and prioritizing resource allocation for impactful initiatives. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to transforming Kishanganj into a model region for sustainable tea cultivation, ensuring long-term economic benefits for farmers while contributing to Bihar’s agricultural development.
