"We are looking at the possibilities to export the tea powder produced in Nilgiris directly to Australia without any middlemen," said Michelle Roberts, Speaker of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly in Nilgiris today.

A parliamentary delegation led by her visited Nilgiris on Thursday to learn about the culture and build relationships.

As a part of their visit, they visited a few tea factories in Kotagiri and learned about various blends of tea powder and tasted a few. 

Talking to the press, Michelle Roberts reportedly said their tour is about promoting a good relationship between Tamil Nadu and Australia. 

She opined that while Tea trade is predominant in Nilgiris, the unprocessed tea leaves and tea powders don't get much rates. Hence they are looking at the possibilities to directly export these tea products to Australia without middlemen 

Apart from this, she said that they are ready to provide technical support to the tea factories in Nilgiris.