Addressing the annual conference of Upasi here, Goenka said the council would maintain minimum standard norms for tea and exchange views on the various aspects of the commodity. He expects the first meeting of the council to be held "as soon as possible".

Earlier, Goenka had criticised the government's move to free import of four plantation commodities from SAARC countries. "There should not be one way traffic. The other SAARC countries have not agreed to lift their restrictions," he said joining the Upasi members in voicing concern over likely repercussions of the move. The plantation industry has sought more time before the imports are freed.

"Indian tea is not just a beverage. It is a way of life and has impact on the employment and well-being of millions of people in far-flungbackward areas which have no recourse to industrial growth and development. Given the sensitiveness at tea-growing areas, policy formulations governing the product must pay particular attention to the larger ramifications involved," he said seeking a level-playing field.

Goenka reiterated his demand for the reappraisal of the 8 per cent excise duty on packet teas. However, commerce secretary PP Prabhu had later assured the industry that his ministry would continue to put pressure for the lifting of the duty.

On the research side, Goenka said the Tea Board would be in a position to fund the Upasi Tea Research Institute if it is required to contribute only 49 per cent of the funding instead of the 50 per cent sought due to administrative hassles.