<h1>Indian tea sector urged to develop new varieties, adopt traceability technologies, and pursue sustainable, value added growth for growers.</h1> The Minister urges development of new internationally competitive tea varieties and signature blends through sustained research and innovation to boost export competitiveness and farmer returns; adoption of technology for end-to-end traceability (including blockchain) and world-class testing; promotion of sustainable farming, eco-friendly packaging, mechanisation, skilling, and value addition; and deployment of policy, financial (Rs.1,000-crore package) and digital measures to support small growers and strengthen India's tea sector.