Indian plantation sector urged to become global suppliers

Technology and institutional finance, which are accessible to small-scale growers too, in the plantation sector are critical for the sector’s growth, said Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on Wednesday (September 23).

Speaking at the annual conference of the United Planters Association of Southern India and presenting the TGLIA:STC awards at Coonoor, he said the future of the sector lies in partnership among all the stakeholders of the sector.

An eco system should be built for inclusive growth of the sector, where every kilogram of plantation produce has better value addition and is globally recognised.

The plantation sector contributes to agriculture output and export earnings, is a means of livelihood to thousands, provides raw material to multiple industries, and supports many downstream industries. Hence, it is an entire economic ecosystem, he said.