Research priorities are on the needs of the industry as well as futuristic challenges. The multidisciplinary R&D activities at Tocklai have been categorised into five groups, viz, Production, Plant improvement, Plant Protection, Quality and Environment & Ecology. In addition, there are externally funded and collaborative project.
| Funding Agency | Name of the Project |
| Tea Board (9th Plan) |
|
| National Tea Research Foundation (NTRF) |
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| Sulphate of Potash Information Board (SOPIB), USA |
|
| Tea Board (10th plan) |
|
| FAO |
|
| Collaborative Institutions | Name of the project |
| CSIR |
|
| DBT-Tea Board |
|
| DTRC |
|
| CEERI, Pillani |
|
| MIT, ER&DCI, Kolkata CEERI, Pillani CMERI, Durgapur |
|
Two high yielding quality TV series clones, P463 and P492, one of them having mild aroma in Jorhat condition are due for release after commercial evaluation. Two draught tolerant garden clones for plains and six flavoury high yielding clones for Darjeeling hills are under commercial evaluation prior to release. A large number of polyploids have been produced for commercial exploitation. Biotechnological approach has so far contributed in standardisation of tissue culture technique, development of haploids and rapid clonal multiplication. Initial success have been achieved in protoplast culture. Ideal shade plants of Albizzia sinensis and A. odoratissima have been selected and their progeny plants are assessed to release as varieties. TRAs recommendations on ratios, source and application methods have already resulted in higher yields. The importance of organic matter and integrated nutrient management has been emphasised. Soil fertility management in organic tea production is also being pursued. Catchment planning of estate level is being practised to tackle drainage problem. Valuable findings have been made on harvest index, diurnal changes in dry matter accumulation, stimulation of vegetative growth by growth promoting substances and benefits of mechanical plucking during peak cropping period and rejuvenation and consolidation for substantial increase in productivity. Significant studies have also been made in the areas of biological control and integrated management of pest and diseases. New and safer chemical for termite control have been recommended. Generation of data on heavy metals in tea is in progress for providing a basis for fixing permissible limits. The intricacies of chemistry of black tea and its relation to tea quality have been elucidated in trying to understand the biochemical reactions and enzymes associated with synthesis of colour, flavour and aroma components during processing. Thrust is also on modification of tea machineries and towards automation in factories. Studies are also in progress with the recently acquired Environmentally Controlled Manufacturing (ECM) Unit.
The Advisory Department with its extension network throughout the tea districts of South Bank, North Bank, Upper Assam, Cachar, Tripura, Dooars (Nagrakata Sub-Station). Terai and Darjeeling deals with the transfer of technology at field levels. The results of R&D have been made more effective and meaningful through this network of advisory centres by effective dissemination technological know-how.
The service functions of Tocklai include soil testing for formulating fertilizer schedules and determining suitability for nursery, replanting or extension planting, water tests for ascertaining suitability for use in tea manufacture, testing of a variety of agro chemicals and other materials used in growing of tea such as pesticides, plant growth regulators, agricultural equipments and identifications of plants. Tocklai also provides planting materials and appropriate package of practices for growing and processing of tea.
