Coonoor, Sep 17 : United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) President J K Thomas today said over production was the main reason for the downfall of tea plantation sector.

Delivering the presidential address during the 114th UPASI annual conference here, Mr Thomas said the Centre should help the plantation sector to compete in the global market. The Commerce Ministry should extend the incentive package, announced for the plantation sector, for longer period to help India regain the lost position as world's number one tea exporter. Mr Thomas said the Plantation Labour Act, the Land Reforms Act and the Minimum Wage Act needed a drastic overhaul as these laws were conceived during a completely different economic, political and social milieu. He said tea exports had taken a beating on account of Rupee appreciation.

FDA Warns Of Herbal Tea Danger

The FDA says the unsafe herb might be dangerous to blood sugar, reproductive, cardiovascular and renal systems. In a letter to the makers of the popular Celestial Seasonings-brand products, FDA officials say the South American herb stevia is an unsafe food additive. Stevia is several hundred times sweeter than sugar but with no calories, is approved as a dietary supplement, but not as a food additive in the U.S. The herb is being eyed by several big beverage companies that are looking for new low-calorie sweeteners. (Copyright 2007 by Newsroom Solutions/Regional News Service) .