The United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) is set to host a massive three-day event in Coonoor from September 21-23. The summit will celebrate a century of tea research and address critical issues like climate change and sustainable farming.

  • UPASI will celebrate the centenary of its Tea Research Foundation.
  • Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan will grace the inaugural ceremony.
  • The event focuses on sustainable tea, climate-smart agriculture, and coffee innovation.
  • The 133rd Annual Conference and Golden Leaf India Awards will also take place.

The United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) has announced a high-profile three-day summit scheduled to take place in Coonoor from September 21 to 23. This significant gathering aims to unite experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders from the global plantation sector to discuss the future of tea and coffee production.

A major highlight of the event is the celebration of the UPASI Tea Research Foundation's centenary. Established in 1926 as the UPASI Tea Scientific Department, the foundation has completed 100 years of pioneering research. The inaugural ceremony on September 21 will feature the Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, as the chief guest.

Read Also:Explainer: Understanding the Controversy Surrounding India's New Stock Closing Price System

Global Expertise and Technical Deliberations

According to UPASI President Ajoy Thipaiah, the event will transition into an international conference on September 22. The technical agenda is meticulously designed to tackle modern challenges, focusing on four critical themes: Sustainable Tea, Climate Smart Tea, Smart Tea, and the New Frontiers for the Tea Sector.

On September 23, the focus will shift toward diversified plantation management and global compliance. Experts such as Sunil D. Tamgale will discuss 'The Regenerative Plantation,' while Thai Dang from Vietnam will present insights on alternative coffee species like Liberica and Excelsa. Furthermore, Manoj Vembu from Singapore will address the complexities of navigating the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) to ensure traceable and sustainable production.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that as global supply chains face increasing pressure from environmental regulations and shifting climate patterns, such summits are no longer optional. The integration of 'climate-smart' technologies and 'regenerative' practices is becoming the gold standard for maintaining market access in Europe and beyond.

The intersection of climate resilience and regulatory compliance will define the next century of the plantation industry.

The festivities will culminate on September 23 with the 133rd Annual Conference of UPASI. During this session, the prestigious Golden Leaf India Awards (TGLIA) will be presented to recognize excellence in the Southern Tea Competition. Additionally, a Plantation Expo will be held on September 22 and 23 to showcase the latest industrial innovations.

Did You Know?: The UPASI Tea Research Foundation has been a cornerstone of agricultural science in India for exactly 100 years, since its inception in 1926.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the significance of the UPASI event in Coonoor?
Answer: It marks the 100th anniversary of the UPASI Tea Research Foundation and serves as a platform for discussing sustainability in the tea and coffee sectors.

Question 2: Who are the key speakers attending the summit?
Answer: The event features Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, along with international experts from Vietnam and Singapore specializing in coffee and sustainability.