Darjeeling, July 14 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday complimented the Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA) for having upheld the unique brand name of 'Darjeeling Tea' which is a welcome item on the breakfast table of people in many countries.

"Tea is an important export commodity of India and promotion of tea exports a major element of India's planned economic development. India ranks second in the world in tea production next only to China," Mukherjee said while speaking on the occasion of the annual general meeting of the DTA. 

"Darjeeling Tea has unique place amongst all varieties of tea, especially for connoisseurs," he added.

Congratulating the DTA and the Gorkha Territorial Administration for having worked in association with the central and state governments as well as the Tea Board to register Darjeeling tea as the country’s first geographical indication, Mukherjee said Darjeeling tea is India’s first product recognized by the European Commission as a Protected Geographical Indication. 

The President said now Darjeeling tea has become synonymous with one of the best brands of tea in the world, originating from one of the most beautiful tourist destinations of India, that is Darjeeling.