Assam University and Tea Association Signs MoU to Revive Barak Valley Tea Industry
First Published: 30th March, 2025 13:34 IST
While the Brahmaputra Valley has seen a sharp rise in production annually, Barak Valley has experienced a significant downturn.
The Barak Valley Branch of the Tea Association of India (TAI-BVB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assam University to promote the growth, sustainability, and welfare of the tea industry in the region. The formal signing took place on Friday during the 50th annual general meeting of TAI-BVB in Silchar.
TAI-BVB Chairman Sushil Singh stated that the agreement aims to support the long-term development of the tea industry in Barak Valley. Professor Pijush Pandey, the Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at Assam University, stressed that the university would focus on researching key challenges faced by tea growers in the region, including climate change and the use of pesticides.
During the conference, tea growers voiced serious concerns about the steady decline in tea production over the past 15 years. Prabir Kumar Bhattacharjee, Secretary General of the Kolkata chapter of TAI, highlighted a stark contrast between the two major tea-producing regions of Assam. While the Brahmaputra Valley has seen a sharp rise in production annually, Barak Valley has experienced a significant downturn.
Chairman Sushil Singh attributed the declining productivity to ageing tea bushes, a high vacancy rate, and poor bush frames. He explained that the industry has struggled to maintain the required rate of replanting due to financial constraints.
Kaushik Rai, Minister of the Barak Valley Development Department assured that the Assam government has been providing substantial support to the tea industry to boost production. He outlined the financial assistance provided in three phases: Rs 35 crore in the first phase, Rs 45 crore in the second, and Rs 98 crore in the third phase.
The minister also said that the state government remains committed to improving infrastructure for the tea industry. He reiterated the government’s continuous efforts to ensure sustainable growth and productivity for tea growers in Barak Valley.
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