On International Tea Day, the North Bengal Tea Producers’ Welfare Association (NBTPWA) has renewed its call for tea to be declared India’s national drink.
The demand was made during a celebration held in Siliguri, Darjeeling district, West Bengal.
To promote the habit of tea drinking, the association distributed around 5,000 cups of free tea to residents of Siliguri, aiming to attract younger generations who have increasingly turned to trendy beverages.
“The British initiated tea cultivation here, and though they have left, the tradition of tea drinking has persisted,” said Niraj Poddar, NBTPWA’s secretary. “Tea, after water, is the most consumed beverage in India. However, our younger generation is shifting towards fancy beverages. We are working hard to make tea appealing again.”
Sathish Mitruka, former president of the association and a prominent tea planter from Siliguri, echoed this sentiment.
“Our goal is to boost tea consumption. Alongside the Tea Board of India (TBI), various organizations are spreading the message, ‘drink more tea’,” he said.
The association is pressing for tea to receive special status as a national drink, a recognition they believe is warranted by both the state and the Union government.
North Bengal boasts 500 tea gardens, particularly in the Darjeeling, Terai, and Dooars regions, with over 400,000 people directly or indirectly employed in the industry.
Darjeeling district is renowned for producing the world’s finest flavored tea, while the Dooars region in Jalpaiguri district is known for its robust CTC tea.
India's total tea production stands at approximately 1,366 million kg, with North Bengal contributing around 650 million kg. Darjeeling alone produces about 6.08 million kg.
As the demand for recognition continues, the NBTPWA’s efforts highlight the significance of tea not just as a cultural staple but as a crucial economic driver for the region.
The push for national drink status underscores the community’s dedication to preserving and promoting this age-old tradition amidst modern challenges.
By declaring tea as the national drink, the producers hope to cement its place in Indian culture and rejuvenate interest among the younger population, ensuring the legacy of Indian tea endures.
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