1. Tripura’s tea industry revival initiated by CM Manik Saha.
2. Challenges highlighted: insurgency and Ponzi schemes.
3. Foundation stone laid for tea auction center in Agartala.
Agartala, March 15: Tripura is set to witness a resurgence in its tea industry, with Chief Minister Manik Saha announcing several initiatives aimed at revitalizing this sector during a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a tea auction center in Agartala.
Saha highlighted the challenges faced by the tea industry, including setbacks due to insurgency and the proliferation of Ponzi schemes, which disrupted the livelihoods of tea planters and workers.
Tea cultivation has been part of Tripura’s heritage since 1916, with 54 tea estates spanning 12,800 hectares and producing 90 lakh kg of finished tea annually.
The decision to establish a tea auction center in Agartala aims to enhance profitability for tea growers and sellers by eliminating the need to travel to auction centers in Kolkata or Guwahati, thereby reducing transportation costs and operational expenses.
Currently, tea auction centers are predominantly located in states like West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
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Saha emphasized the potential of the tea industry to bolster Tripura’s economy, highlighting discussions with the central government to implement measures for its revival.
Efforts to modernize tea processing techniques are also underway, with discussions initiated with MBB University to introduce a specialized course in tea processing.
Acknowledging tea’s cultural significance, Saha noted the increasing demand for Tripureswari tea and outlined measures to improve the welfare of tea garden workers.
This includes a significant increase in their wages and the allocation of land rights under a new scheme, along with plans to provide housing under the PM Awas Yojana.
With these concerted efforts, the Tripura government aims to breathe new life into the state’s tea industry, ensuring its sustainability and prosperity for years to come.
