Sentinel Digital Desk
In 1837, the British established the first English tea garden at Chabua in Assam.
In 1839, the Assam Tea Company was the first tea company that was established to make and grow tea. In 1840, the company started commercial production. By 1862, the company had 160 tea gardens under its banner. Assam produced approximately 702 million kilograms of tea in fiscal year 2019, maximum in the country.
The annual tea production for 2020 is estimated at 742.6 million kg. The industry is expected to take a hit of 69.38 million kg, a revenue loss of around Rs. 1,059 crore.
There are 803 registered tea gardens in Assam, among which 555 are in the upper Assam belt. Dibrugarh district has 177 tea gardens which is highest among the upper Assam belt.
Tea gardens of Assam are employing over 8 lakh labourers. The daily wage earned by the tea workers is Rs 214 per day. Assam contributes the most in exporting tea worldwide. Japan, Singapore, China, UAE are the major importers of tea.
On the occasion of 72nd Republic Day parade, Assam’s tea industry will be showcased in the tableau.
The Sentinel
06 Jan, 2021