Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently emphasized the importance of diversifying tea production to cater to the growing global demand for unique and aromatic tea. Speaking at a program held in Dhaka’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the occasion of the 4th National Tea Day and the National Tea Award-2024, she highlighted the need for innovation in the tea industry.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that people’s tastes have evolved, and consumers now seek more than just traditional tea made from tea leaves. Herbal teas, spicy blends, and other flavorful variations have gained popularity in the market. To capitalize on this trend, she encouraged tea growers to explore different ingredients like basil leaf, ginger, lemon, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon when producing tea.

Rather than merely selling bulk tea leaves, Prime Minister Hasina urged tea garden owners and traders to add value to their products. By doing so, Bangladesh can earn foreign currency while ensuring profitable returns for traders. The global demand for specialty teas continues to rise, making it an opportune time for the industry to innovate and diversify.

Additionally, the Prime Minister called for research into producing tea from jute leaves. Although currently done on a small scale, jute tea could offer health benefits, including potential applications for diabetes management