India, Nov. 13 -- A recommendation by a 10-member committee constituted by the Tea Board of India to introduce a Minimum Sustainable Price (MSP) for tea has been welcomed by industry associations.

The Indian Tea Association (ITA), Tea Association of India (TAI), United Planters' Association of Southern India (UPASI), Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Associations (CISTA) and Federation of Indian Tea Manufacturers Association (FITMA) have also emphasised the need for a sustainable pricing framework to ensure remunerative returns for tea producers, protect the interests of small tea growers and secure the long-term viability of the sector, according to a statement from the tea associations.

India produces nearly 1,350-1,400 millio...