Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Tea Research Foundation Marks Century of Southern India Innovation
The Tea Research Foundation has been studying tea for 100 years.
It began in 1926 at Gudalur in the Nilgiris.
Scientists there work on ways to help tea plants grow better.
They study insects, diseases, soil, plant health and tea-making.
They also research irrigation, organic tea and methods for controlling pests.
The foundation works with tea growers in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
It operates centres in several tea-growing areas.
Its laboratories test tea, soil, fertilisers and nutrients to help improve quality.
The Tea Research Foundation celebrated its centenary on Monday after a century of tea research.
TRF began in 1926 as a tea experimental station at Gudalur in the Nilgiris.
The foundation operates advisory and extension centres across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
Its research covers plant pathology, entomology, soil chemistry, biotechnology, physiology and tea technology.
TRF develops climate-resilient planting materials and runs NABL-accredited laboratories for tea, soil and fertiliser testing.
- Who
- The Tea Research Foundation of the United Planters’ Association of Southern India, along with tea researchers and industry stakeholders.
- What
- The foundation celebrated its centenary and highlighted its wide-ranging tea research and advisory work.
- When
- Monday; the foundation began in 1926 and marked 100 years of service.
- Where
- Its work spans southern India, with centres in Coonoor, Gudalur, Koppa, Munnar, Meppadi and Vandiperiyar.
- Why
- To improve tea cultivation, address industry challenges and develop better, climate-resilient and sustainable production methods.
- Founded
- 1926, as a tea experimental station at Gudalur
- Centenary location
- Tea Research Foundation, associated with the United Planters’ Association of Southern India
- Coverage
- Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
- Regional centres
- Coonoor, Gudalur, Koppa, Munnar, Meppadi and Vandiperiyar
- Research areas
- Plant pathology, entomology, soil chemistry, biotechnology, plant physiology, tea technology and pesticide residue analysis
- Laboratories
- NABL-accredited facilities testing black tea, soils, fertilisers and micronutrients
- Grower focus
- The foundation also works on issues affecting small tea growers