Guwahati, April 20: To celebrate 200 years of Assam tea, festivities have commenced in Jorhat, featuring a monogram by notable author Arup Dutta and a book by tea researcher and writer Pradip Baruah.
These works shed light on the origins and evolution of the industry. The monogram, titled ‘Genesis of Assam Tea Industry’, charts the growth and progress of the sector, while the North East Tea Association (NETA) published the book ‘Two hundred years of Assam Tea 1823-2023: The Genesis and Development of Indian Tea’.
Assam tea, known for its rich flavor and aroma, has a history that dates back over 200 years. The tea industry in Assam is now celebrating its bicentennial anniversary with a series of events that highlight its genesis, growth, and future.
The North East Tea Association (NETA) has been at the forefront of these celebrations, launching a monogram and a book that traces the history and development of the industry. The monogram titled ‘Genesis of Assam Tea Industry’ and the book ‘Two hundred years of Assam Tea 1823-2023: The genesis and development of Indian Tea’ were released by eminent author Arup Dutta and tea researcher and writer Pradip Baruah in Jorhat.
The monogram and the book delve into the journey of the tea industry in Assam, from its inception to its present-day status as a prominent contributor to the Indian economy.
They highlight the efforts of the pioneers who brought tea to Assam and the struggles they faced in the initial years. The books also talk about the industry’s growth, innovations, and the challenges that it faces today.
NETA has also launched a ‘tea academy’ in Jorhat to create trained manpower for the industry. The academy will offer long-term and short-duration courses to tea growers, factory workers, and other stakeholders to enhance their skills and knowledge.
To make the celebrations more widespread, plans are on for year-long celebrations that will include the screening of a documentary on tea, inauguration of a tea museum in Dibrugarh, and the development of the upcoming tea park at Chaygaon.
The celebrations have also provided an opportunity for the industry to highlight the potential of tea in promoting tourism, health benefits, and cultural heritage.
The tea industry in Assam has the potential to boost the Indian economy significantly, and it is essential to leverage this historic occasion for the generic promotion of the beverage to boost consumption in the country.
NETA has urged the Indian government to recognize tea as a national drink and to showcase its unique features, including tradition, culture, and health benefits during India’s G-20 presidency. This could help put the spotlight on the tea industry in Assam and other parts of India, attracting global attention and boosting the industry’s growth potential.
Also Read: Mild 3.5 Magnitude Earthquake Struck Manipur
The bicentennial celebrations of Assam tea are an occasion to reflect on the industry’s rich history, its present challenges, and future opportunities.
The industry has come a long way since its inception, and its resilience and hard work have made it an integral part of the Indian economy. The celebrations will help bring the industry’s achievements to the forefront and provide a platform for the industry to discuss and address the challenges that it faces today.
History of Assam Tea Plantation
Assam Tea plantation has a history dating back to the early 19th century when the British East India Company was searching for a cheaper source of tea than the one they had been buying from China.
The East India Company settled in Assam, a region in the northeastern part of India, and started experimenting with growing tea there. The first commercial tea estate was established in 1856, and by 1862, there were 160 tea estates in the region.
The early years of tea cultivation in Assam were challenging, but the industry continued to grow, and by the early 20th century, Assam had become the largest tea-growing region in the world.
Today, Assam tea is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and is a significant contributor to the global tea market, generating significant revenue for India and employing millions of people.
