Guwahati: The Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday inaugurated a premium lounge for drinking different varieties of Tea at Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) in the city.
This tea lounge named as “The GTAC Tea Lounge” will be run by a trust formed by the Governing body of GTAC.
GTAC was established in the year 1970 and is the largest tea auction centre in India.
It is to be noted that this one-stop centre for wide varieties of Tea- CTC, Orthodox, Green, Purple, White, Yellow, Oolong and teas such as second flush, autumnal and rainy season teas. Teas from different regions of Brahmaputra and Barak Valley of Assam will be available for retail purchase as well as for consumption of teas.
“This particular Tea Lounge is expected to attract young generation towards tea drinking habits- both hot and iced teas,” said Dinesh Bihani, Chairman of GTAC tea lounge trust.
GTAC tea lounge is promoted by all the stakeholders of GTAC along with the Tea Board of India, Assam Tourism, North East Council and Industries & Commerce Department of Government of Assam.
Also, speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Assam is one of the biggest competitors in the world when it comes to tea. People from both domestic and international tourists opt for better quality and flavor of Assam tea. This lounge will defiantly enlighten people from both national and international tourists about the quality and different blends of Assam Tea.”
It may be mentioned that the Assam Tea Industry is more than 195 years old with a high heritage value. The Singpho Tribe of Assam has been brewing tea from the naturally growing tea bushes since antiquity.
Historically, Assam is the second commercial tea production region after southern China.
Assam produces more than 50% of India’s Tea.