- Tea Research Association (TRA) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology to improve quality. The technology has been developed through a collaboration between TRA and Agnext, a start-up which was incubated by IIT Kharagpur.
- A machine, called TRA Agnext QualiteaProfiler (QTP) has been developed through this technology. The machine would help determine the fine leaf count automatically without human intervention. TRAAgnext QTP will have a machine version which is likely to cost around ₹2 lakh and a mobile app version for quality leaf profiling.
- Fine leaf count (FLC) determines the presence of the two (or three) leaves and a bud in a batch, which ensures in enhancing quality. The machine would help improve accuracy and reduce time in FLC.
- The Tea Board has said that the initiative has not been made mandatory to adopt for every garden or bought leaf factory.
- The Tea Board of India is a state agency of the Government of India established to promote the cultivation, processing and domestic trade as well as export of tea from India. It was established by the enactment of the Tea Act in 1953 with its headquarters in Kolkata.
- The Tea Research Association, popularly known as TRA Tocklai looks after the research nad development needs of the India tea industry. It is located at a site near the River Tocklai in Jorhat, Assam.
TRA unveils AI tool to improve tea quality
6 min read