Mobile residues testing lab launched to support tea leaves testing in Dibrugarh

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 17, 2024

Amid ongoing controversy over the use of prohibited chemicals on raw tea leaves, a mobile testing laboratory named “Eurofins Agro Laboratories” was inaugurated at Alimur in Dibrugarh on Monday.

This mobile lab will ensure the quality standards of chemicals used on tea leaves. This is the first laboratory in the 200-year-old history of Assam’s tea industry.

Tea leaves purchased by bought-leaf factories from small tea growers and the made tea produced by the bought-leaf factories will be tested in this laboratory.

The mobile residues testing lab was formally inaugurated by Assam industry minister Bimal Bora at a function organized by the Assam Bought Tea Leaf Manufacturers Association (ABTLMA) at Alimur in Dibrugarh on Monday.

In his address Bora said, “Ever since Scottish adventurer and trader Robert Bruce discovered tea in Assam in 1823, the industry has completed 200 glorious years, with Assam tea being one of the prominent beverages consumed the world over, constituting the lifeblood of Assam’s economic sustenance generating foreign exchange of over Rs 3,000 crore, and offering employment and livelihood opportunities to over 10 Lakh people.”

“Tea plantations in Assam, once dominated by large corporate entities operating expansive gardens, have undergone a significant transformation. Today, thousands of small farmers have embraced tea cultivation, supplying their crops to factories that no longer maintain their own gardens,” Bora said.

Bora also said the Assam Bought Tea Leaf Manufacturers Association (ABTLMA) has been instrumental in ensuring that its member-bought leaf factories (BLFs) adhere to global quality standards. ABTELMA actively collaborates with grower associations and member BLFs to raise awareness across the supply chain about the importance of avoiding banned chemicals and pesticides.

“To that effect, the association took the initiative of arranging for a mobile testing van from Eurofins Analytical Services Pvt Ltd for the testing of green tea leaves and processed teas. These initiatives will significantly contribute to ensuring that the Cuppa that Cheers is delivered to consumers the world over in a manner that is compliant with global tea manufacturing standards, thereby fostering goodwill among consumers of Assam tea, and preserving Assam’s illustrious tea manufacturing heritage,” the minister said.

The minister also appealed to all the stakeholders to follow the prescribed guidelines for the greater interest of the entire team industry.

“The chief minister of Assam will discuss the matter related to the SOP on June 22 in the presence of all the stakeholders,” he added. ABYLMA chairman Chand Kumar Gohain said there will be sample collecting centres in various places including Dibrugarh, Tinsukia etc.

“The launch of this Mobile Residues Testing Lab comes at a crucial time. This mobile lab will empower our small and large tea growers alike, providing them with accessible, timely, and reliable testing services right at their doorstep,” Gohain said.