The Tea Board of India has introduced certified tea tasting and sommelier courses at its Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre (DTRDC) in Kurseong, West Bengal, with the aim of developing skilled professionals for India's tea industry.

Focus on Skill Development

The new training programmes are designed to strengthen expertise in tea tasting, quality evaluation, blending techniques, and tea appreciation. Officials believe the initiative will help improve quality standards, support value addition, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian teas.

Nationally Recognised Certification

The courses have been approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and developed with support from the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI). The curriculum aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Two Course Options

The programme offers two certification courses:

  • 60-hour Certificate Course
  • 210-hour Advanced Course

The first batch has already commenced with the 60-hour programme, covering topics such as tea appreciation, professional tasting methods, tea blending, and modern industry practices.

Employment and Industry Benefits

The Tea Board expects the initiative to create a pool of trained tea tasters and tea sommeliers who can contribute to quality assurance, branding, consumer awareness, and market development. The programme is also expected to generate new employment opportunities for students and young professionals interested in the tea sector.

Boosting India's Tea Industry

By promoting scientific sensory evaluation and professional training, the Tea Board aims to strengthen India's reputation as a producer of high-quality teas while encouraging greater tea literacy among consumers.