Date:10/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/10/10/stories/2005101000630700.htm

Back Plantation industry to seek Govt support for revamp

Our Bureau

Coimbatore, Oct 9

THE ailing plantation industry is planning to seek the support of the Government and other industry stakeholders for a radical overhaul of the anachronistic structures, regulations and marketing maxims to regain its past glory.

The UPASI President, Mr E.B. Sethna, has sought an appointment with the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr Kamal Nath.

Mr Sethna, in a release stated that a team under his leadership proposed to meet and urge Mr Kamal Nath to adopt a strategic vision by revamping the outdated structures, regulations and marketing maxims that bind, regulate and drive the industry today.

`We have initiated the process for complete restructuring of the plantation industry. Steps have also been taken to bring about changes in our marketing strategies. A systemic restructure is the need of the hour and for this we need the support of the Government,' he said.

The UPASI delegation is also proposing to impress upon the Minister the need to implement large-scale medium term domestic generic promotion campaign to dramatically increase consumption of tea, coffee and spices. `This campaign would not place the domestic producers in an advantageous position, but also make deep in roads into the global surpluses of these commodities. Such measures would in the medium and long term obviate the need of either the State or the Central Government to rescue the plantation sector,' Mr Sethna said.