Guwahati: Tea Research Association (TRA Tocklai) lunched Decaffeinated Green Tea Powder, Developed from Assam’s elite clones TV 9, 11, and 12, the product contains 75% less caffeine than conventional green tea and is enriched with antioxidants that support cellular health.

The 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tea Research Association (TRA Tocklai) was convened on Friday at Kolkata, drawing widespread participation from the Indian tea industry, policymakers, scientists, and international observers. The event underscored TRA’s ongoing contributions to research, sustainability, and product innovation in the tea sector.

One of the key highlights of the AGM was the launch of TRA’s Decaffeinated Green Tea Powder, unveiled by Arunita Phukan Yadav, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board of India. Developed from Assam’s elite clones TV 9, 11, and 12, the product contains 75% less caffeine than conventional green tea and is enriched with antioxidants that support cellular health. The product was developed by TRA scientists Dr. Padma Pallav and Dr. Himanshu Deka, building on Tocklai’s legacy of product innovation.

Joydeep Phukan, Secretary, TRA, emphasized that this product has the potential to compete with Japanese Matcha, which is witnessing skyrocketing global demand but suffers from chronic supply shortages. He noted that this innovation could position Assam and Bengal as a global hub for high-value wellness teas.

The AGM also marked the launch of TRA’s AI-based tea germplasm characterization tool, developed by Dr. Shuvam Dutta, Dr. Pritom Choudhury, and Dr. Sangita Borchetia. The tool, which has been patented for its uniqueness, leverages machine learning to predict drought tolerance in tea plants based on advanced image analysis. By enabling faster and more accurate selection of drought-tolerant cultivars, the model will help shorten breeding programs, accelerate varietal development, and strengthen the tea industry’s climate resilience.

Nayantara Palchoudhuri, Chairperson, TRA, paid tribute to TRA’s scientists across Assam and Bengal, who continue to deliver excellence despite funding shortfalls caused by over half of the industry not contributing their research dues.She drew attention to the global research funding gap, pointing out that while China spends Rs 110 crores annually on tea research, India invests only about Rs 30 crores. She urged the Government, large estates, and small tea growers to step up contributions to safeguard the industry’s future.Palchoudhuri announced the establishment of a High-Level Committee to explore new revenue generation models, including property development and broadening TRA’s membership base to include small growers and the bought-leaf sector.

Dr. A. Arunachalam, Director, ICAR Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, highlighted the synergies between tea and agroforestry. He emphasized that integrating tree-based systems into tea plantations could significantly improve climate resilience, soil health, and biodiversity, while also generating additional revenue streams for planters.

Dr. Venkat Selvaraj, Director, TRA Tocklai, presented a comprehensive account of TRA’s scientific progress during the past year. The research portfolio included, Development of new climate-resilient clones, advances in integrated pest and disease management, progress in precision agriculture and IoT-based monitoring, product diversification initiatives, including specialty teas and nutraceuticals.

He reiterated TRA’s vision of combining cutting-edge science with field-level application, ensuring that benefits reach both large plantations and small growers.