Technology and institutional finance, which are accessible to small-scale growers too, in the plantation sector are critical for the sector’s growth, said Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on Wednesday (September 23).

Speaking at the annual conference of the United Planters Association of Southern India and presenting the TGLIA:STC awards at Coonoor, he said the future of the sector lies in partnership among all the stakeholders of the sector.

An eco system should be built for inclusive growth of the sector, where every kilogram of plantation produce has better value addition and is globally recognised.

The plantation sector contributes to agriculture output and export earnings, is a means of livelihood to thousands, provides raw material to multiple industries, and supports many downstream industries. Hence, it is an entire economic ecosystem, he said.

In a developed India, the plantation sector should have higher value per hectare, better technology adoption, increased exports, higher income for growers, and higher productivity. Its focus should move from commodities to value-added products.

Research in plantation sector should be connected to the farmer, who in turn should be connected to the processor. The processor should develop brands that target global consumers. “Sustainability should be part of our business model. The plantation sector should be able to produce more with less water and other natural resources,” he added.

At the annual meeting of the Association, Abhishek Poddar, managing director of Matheson Bosanquet Enterprises, has been elected president of The United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) for 2026-27.

Anil Mathew, executive director (Plantations), A V Thomas Group Companies, has been elected vice-president of UPASI for 2026-27. He has 35 years of experience across a wide range of plantations crops, including tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and pepper.