INDIA
The Tea Research Association’s center in Tocklai, Assam has been facing a funding crunch for months requiring severe cutbacks in programs. The center, founded in 1911 as the Tocklai Experimental Station, draws funds from both the public and private sector. Funds from the government are being doled out in small measure, precipitating the crisis.
Union commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman said funds will be made available to continue operations. Meanwhile a proposal to bring the Tea Research Association (TRA) into either the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) or the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to insure continued financial support is under consideration.