Assam Tea Industry Thrives: Record Sales at Guwahati Tea Auction Centre
The tea industry in Assam is experiencing significant growth, with over Rs2,800 crore worth of tea sold at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) during the current financial year (2024-2025) so far. Official data reveals that approximately 111.03 million kg of tea was sold at an average price of Rs252 per kg until October. This marks an increase from the previous year, where 102.92 million kg was sold at Rs200.08 per kg.
Increased Sales and Prices
Dinesh Bihani, Secretary of the Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers’ Association, highlighted the growth, stating, “Compared to the previous year, we have achieved an increase of Rs52.75 per kg this year.” The total sales from April to October this year reached Rs2,807 crore, compared to Rs2,059 crore last year.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change has affected tea production, with a shortfall of about 63 million kg between April and September. This shortage has driven up prices, especially for high-quality tea. However, there is hope for recovery in production this month.
Export Growth and Government Initiatives
Exports have increased by 31 million kg this year, with growing demand in Russia, Iran, and Europe. The Assam and Union Governments have supported tea garden development, with most gardens adopting digital payment methods for wages. The GTAC is now fully digitalised, benefiting labourers significantly.
Celebrating Assam Tea
The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre recently celebrated 200 years of Assam tea, marking a historic milestone for the industry.
Doubts Revealed
Assam Tea Industry -: Assam is a state in India known for producing a special type of tea called Assam tea. It is famous for its strong flavor and bright color.
Guwahati Tea Auction Centre -: This is a place in Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, where tea is sold to buyers through an auction. An auction is like a public sale where people bid to buy things.
Rs2,800 crore -: Rs2,800 crore is a way to say 28 billion rupees, which is a lot of money. Rupees (Rs) is the currency used in India.
Financial year -: A financial year is a 12-month period used for accounting and budgeting. In India, it usually starts on April 1st and ends on March 31st of the next year.
Climate change -: Climate change refers to changes in the Earth’s weather patterns, like temperature and rainfall, over a long time. It can affect how much tea is grown.
Exports -: Exports are goods sent from one country to another for sale. In this case, it means Assam tea is being sold to other countries.
Digital payments -: Digital payments are ways to pay for things using electronic methods, like using a phone or computer, instead of cash.
200 years of Assam tea -: This means that Assam tea has been grown and enjoyed for 200 years, which is a long time and a reason to celebrate.