During a meeting on Thursday, with Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, representatives of small tea growers’ associations of Assam raised the issue of low price realization and sought a minimum support price for their produce during the peak and lean seasons.
On Friday, Patowary said that the issue of overpriced manure and challenges of the small tea growers of Assam were raised in the meeting. There will be no compromise on the quality of tea leaves and fair price, the minister said, adding that their grievances will be addressed.
The minister will hold a meeting very soon with all the deputy commissioners of districts to monitor that Bought Leaf Factories (BLF) buys quality tea leaves only and that they ensure a fair price for the small growers. Patowary asked Tea Board India’s executive director (north-east zone) Arunita Phukan Yadav to instruct all its development officers to visit the BLFs and monitor strict compliance with the quality of tea leaves.
The minister also urged small tea growers to ensure the quality of their products and encouraged them to opt for an orthodox variety that can help fetch remunerative prices in the international markets. Patowary also advised them to set up bought leaf factories through self-help groups.
Around 2 lakh small tea growers in Assam contribute nearly 50 percent of the state’s annual production. Of the 618.20 million kg of tea produced in the state in 2020, small tea growers’ share was 285.19 million kg.
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