Adopt Organic cultivation methods Arunachal Tea Growers told

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Tage Taki has exhorted the tea growers of the state to move towards going fully organic in their cultivation practices.
Addressing the first Arunachal Tea Fair held at Lhoba Resort on the banks of the Siang river at Pasighat in East Siang district on Tuesday, the minister said that farmers should learn about economically viable cultivation methods like small plantations. And the government should be informed. About the challenges and suggestions they may have.
The Arunachal Tea Festival organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) brought together tea growers, promoters and enthusiasts from across the state, official sources said here.

Organizers of the festival said that the purpose of the event was not only to celebrate the state’s tea growing heritage but also to provide a platform for tea growers to exchange ideas with each other and learn ways to improve their products.
“As the world moves towards organic farming, we must not be left behind,” Taki said.

State Agriculture Director Anong Lego said that tea growers in the state have not been able to avail benefits from the Tea Board of India due to hurdles in obtaining certain forest clearances.

He also informed that around 150 hectares of tea plantations in the state currently grow their tea organically without the use of chemical fertilizers.