ASSAM: Seven journalists from Rajasthan embarked on a six-day expedition in Assam to delve into the state's thriving tea industry. During their travels, they visited the Tocklai Tea Research Institute (TRA) located in Jorhat district and were greeted by Pradip Baruah, who serves as director-in-charge at TRA.
Dr. Baruah enlightened us on the extensive capabilities of Assam Tea in both local and global markets, delving into its ancestry, cultivation techniques, manufacturing procedures and promotional campaigns. He underlined TRA's crucial mission to teach independent tea farmers whilst identifying climate changes, market rivalries as well as workforce dilemmas that loom large over the industry.
Emphasizing TRA's dedication to innovation, Baruah elaborated on the current studies in robotics and artificial intelligence with a goal of improving tea affordability and competitiveness. The reporters were granted access to take a closer look at TRA's research and development division, as well as their laboratory for tasting teas along with physiology examinations.
TRA scientists shared their knowledge on controlling pests, the antioxidant properties of tea and differentiating black from green tea. A one-of-a-kind tasting session held at Assam's famous brew captivated all visiting journalists with an immersive sensory experience.
In the latter part of the day, the team made their way to Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra rural camp situated in Dergaon, North Golaghat. This was attended by Anwesha Thakur, who serves as an assistant commissioner for Golaghat and Gaurav Borthakur; serving as a Block Development Officer (BDO) based in Dergaon- both joining hands with journalists present at this event. The cultural program held on that day perfectly depicted and displayed various colorful customs existing within that particular region thereby concluding events planned out for said date.
During their stay at the camp, journalists had the opportunity to interact with recipients of central government schemes. They were greeted cordially through traditional dance and cultural presentations. The visit offered extensive insights into Assam's tea industry while enabling a direct connection with local society and firsthand observations on how governmental programs have positively affected them. The immersive encounter emphasized the importance of Assam's tea legacy, fusing customary practices with modern techniques in a terrain that has been influenced by the ups and downs of its prosperous tea business.
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