The Pakistan tea delegation that is currently touring the South categorically stated that they were ‘not happy' with the quality of teas that reached their port.

Pakistan imports about 23-24 million kg (mkg) of tea from India, of which the quantities from the South is said to be in excess of 20 mkg.

The Chairman of Pakistan Tea Association, Mr Mohammed Hanif Janoo, said that the trade would look to source more teas from India, particularly from the South, if only the teas were ‘well-made and heavy'.

The members of the delegation, comprising 13, visited some broking houses in the city. “After taking a look at the teas that were shown to us today, I am convinced about the quality. If these teas are shipped to Pakistan, you will get a premium. Unfortunately, the teas that reach Pakistan port lack quality,” said Mr Janoo.

Another member of the delegation, Mr Khawaja, said the Orthodox and CTC teas from South India were quite competitive. “To make a bigger pool, the offering should improve quality-wise and price-wise. Vietnam is also in the race, offering cheap teas,” he added.

The Executive Director of Tea Board, Mr Ambalavanan, stressed the need for removing this perception about ‘low quality' of teas from India.

“To ensure that only quality teas are shipped out of this country, we should put an end to manufacture of cheap teas. Tea Board is in the process of setting up a Quality Council for South India. This council will do a random check before the teas are permitted to be exported.”

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