‘Will hold 200 years of Assam tea globally to capture world market’ Says Bimal Borah

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: State Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprise Minister Bimal Borah said that the State Government would celebrate the completion of 200 years of the tea industry in Assam globally in a befitting manner to make Assam tea occupy a respectable position in the global market for another 200 years.

Minister Borah said this at the fourth International Tea Day celebration at the Administrative Staff College here today.

Borah said, “Celebrating the completion of 200 years of the tea industry in Assam will strengthen the economy of the state. I appeal to the tea industry and growers to rediscover Assam tea to make it reach every nook and corner of the world.”

On the occasion, the Minister unveiled the “200 Years of Tea Logo,” aesthetically designed to encompass all that Assam and the tea industry stand for by the National Institute of Fashion for Tea Board India.

The minister further said, “The State Government has taken several initiatives to ensure that the tea industry continues to remain robust, vibrant, and productive as it has always been. The cuppa that continues to cheer millions of people across the globe and happens to be the most consumed drink after water began with Assamese nobleman Maniram Dewan informing Robert Bruce that tea grew wild in the region. A chance meeting with a Singpho chief led to Robert Bruce discovering tea leaves in Assam in 1823. Ever since then, realizing the immense potential of this natural resource, which was initially monopolized by China, the British began cultivating tea on a commercial scale, with the first tea gardens being established and Maniram Dewan being the first Assamese person to establish tea gardens in Assam.”

He said, “In addition to the economic ramifications, the tea industry has also immensely contributed to the social fabric of the state, with various cultural practices and art forms of the many Adivasi tribes that were brought in as workers being absorbed into Assam’s vibrant tapestry of traditions and heritage. Today, Assam tea continues to enjoy a prominent position in the global tea market, with its distinctive flavour and robust character being highly sought-after by tea enthusiasts worldwide. The industry has witnessed modernization with the introduction of technology in processing and packaging, ensuring that Assam tea remains competitive in the international market.”

The Minister extended financial assistance to several small tea growers in Assam in the form of cheques at the function.

State Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprise, the Department of Commerce under the Union Ministry of Commerce, and the Tea Board of India organised the celebration.

MPs Kamakhya Prasad Tasha, Horensingh Bey, Vice Chairman, Tea Board India, and others were present at the function.

Also Read: Assam government to spend Rs 180-crore for small tea growers' development

Also Watch: