BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th March 2024: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday said that the Tea e-Auction Centre at Agartala will largely benefit the tea growers of the State and take Tripura tea to new heights.
He informed that the state government is mulling to introduce a course on tea in Tripura University.
Dr. Saha said this after laying the foundation stone of the Agartala Tea e-Auction Centre at the Gurkhabasti complex.
“This is a leap towards the development of the tea industry in Tripura. It will largely benefit the tea growers of the State and take Tripura tea to new heights. Tripura has taken a step further to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ slogan a reality. In this initiative, tea garden owners will get an opportunity to sell tea leaves easily. Besides, tea producers will also get a fair price,” said Dr. Saha.
He mentioned that there was a time when Tripura tea had no recognition.
“Logos with tea brands have been introduced in the state since the present state government came to power. With the positive initiative of the state government, the price of tea in the state is increasing. The first tea garden of the state was established in Kailashahar. Currently, tea is being cultivated in an area of 12,800 hectares across the state, with 54 tea gardens. However, at one time, the state’s tea industry was on the verge of collapse. Due to the concerted efforts of the present state government, tea in the state has regained its status,” he said.
He noted that previously, tea sellers had to go outside to sell tea in the state. If this tea auction center is established, the sale and purchase of tea can be completed within the state, eliminating transportation costs.
“A significant amount of tea leaves are produced in the state every year, ranking fifth in the country in tea leaf production. The present government has taken various plans for the development of the tea industry. The salary allowance of tea workers has been increased to Rs 176 per day. Additionally, this government has arranged to provide land to tea workers. An initiative has also been taken to introduce a course on tea in Tripura University,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that Tripura tea will pave the way for self-reliance and economic prosperity in the state in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Santana Chakma, Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation Dipak Majumder, Chairman of Tripura Tea Development Corporation Ltd. Samir Ranjan Ghosh, Secretary of Industry and Commerce Department Kiran Gitte, Director of Industry and Commerce Department Vishwashree B. were present.
