The consignments are expected to reach their destinations between four and five days.

Apart from strengthening the industry?s supply chain, Tea-mail will be a major boost to the postal department?s diversification plan. ?Our first task is to ensure that Assam tea is distributed across the country without hassles. We will gradually extend the service abroad,? Das said.

Assam accounts for as much as 53 per cent of the country?s tea output. The USP of the state?s produce is its strong liquor, which has always found favour with foreign consumers. Annual tea consumption in India stands at 733 grams per person and production has gone up to 920 million kg this year, as against 820 million kg in 2004.

Industry functionaries hailed the concept of Tea-mail as a timely innovation. ?The postal network is unparalleled in its reach and companies should make full use of it,? an official said.