Ooty will host the seventh edition of the India International Tea Convention, IITC 2016, from September 22. The three-day programme includes presentations by internationally-renowned speakers and tea professionals on various topics, and exhibition.

The event is being jointly organized by the Tea Board of India and the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI), under the aegis of the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations, in association with the Indian Tea Exporters’ Association, the South India Tea Exporters Association and Federation of All India Tea Traders Association.

Tea Board Vice-Chairman Bidyanand Barkooty, and Commerce Secretary Rita A Teotia will participate in the inaugural ceremony, UPASI Chairman, N Dharmaraj said. The 123rd UPASI Annual Conference will also be held at the same venue on September 24, he added.

Prior to the main conference, there will be commodity outlook session, where audio-visual presentations will be made by respective Commodity Board Chairmen and representatives, on the current scenario and various initiatives implemented and contemplated with respect to plantation commodities.

Union labour and employment secretary Shankar Agarwal, and Additional Secretary Commerce and Industry, Alok Chaturvedi will address the inaugural session, Dharmaraj said.