The Tea Board has introduced Plant Protection Code for implementing practices to minimise use of pesticides and improve quality of tea.

PPC is a set of guidelines framed by a technical committee comprising members from the tea industry, Tea Research Institute of UPASI Tea Research Foundation, Tea Research Association, international certification bodies and the Trustea Advisory Committee.

According to a Tea Board statement, these guidelines are aimed at ensuring best practices for crop protection across Indian tea plantations.

Effective adoption of the PPC would enable the industry to safeguard the plantation environment, ensure welfare of workers and small farmers and long-term security of supply, Siddharth, Chairman of Tea Board, was quoted saying.