A CORRESPONDENT
DIBRUGARH: Former Union Minister and President of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) Paban Singh Ghatowar made a clarion call for a holistic revival of Assam’s tea industry during the annual general conference of the Bharatiya Cha Parishad (BCP) in Dibrugarh on Saturday evening.
Highlighting the rich legacy of tea cultivation established by the British over two centuries ago, Ghatowar urged stakeholders and the government to collaborate in restoring Assam tea to its former glory.
“As we gather here today, let us remember that Assam tea was once the pride of the industry. It is time for all of us, producers, workers, and the government, to come together and ensure that our tea once again rules the roost,” Ghatowar said during his keynote address as the Chief Guest.
The meeting drew industry stalwarts who offered valuable insights into overcoming the current challenges facing Assam’s labour-intensive tea sector. Former chairman of the Tea Board of India Prabhat Bezbaruah advocated for a more compassionate approach from the central government. “Quality must be the driver for our survival. We need to focus on producing superior tea that meets international standards to compete effectively in the global market,” he said.
Adding to the discourse, veteran industrialist Manoj Jalan emphasized the importance of modern technology and artificial intelligence in transforming the tea industry. “Investing in technology can streamline our processes and enhance the quality of our products. It’s time to embrace innovation like AI to keep pace with changing market demands,” Jalan said.
The conference also witnessed the transition of leadership within the BCP. Nalin Khemani, who delivered the welcome address, stepped down as Chairman after a productive term, making way for Sarvesh Saharia, who will lead the organization for the 2025-2027 session. Khemani reflected on the challenges confronting the tea industry and the necessity for evolution.
“The tea industry has been a cornerstone of many cultures for centuries. To ensure its longevity, we must recognize that sustainability and evolution go hand-in-hand. As consumer preferences shift and the world grapples with climate change, we must adapt and innovate. Diversifying our land use is essential, we should consider alternate uses for at least 25% of our tea plantations to support our core 75% and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of workers,” Khemani said.
The Bharatiya Cha Parishad, which celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, continues to play a vital role in the development of Assam’s tea sector. With 103 members spanning tea estates and bought leaf factories across the state, the BCP stands as a formidable force in the state’s tea industry.
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