Assam: Clean energy push powers sustainable future for state’s tea industry

GUWAHATI: Assam’s iconic tea industry is unfolding a new chapter of sustainability and innovation, thanks to clean energy initiatives championed by Cairn Oil & Gas. On International Tea Day, a webinar titled “Driving Change with Cairn: Clean Energy & the Future of Assam Tea” brought together voices from across the tea ecosystem to explore how tradition and technology can together shape a resilient future for India’s largest tea-producing state.

Organised by Cairn and supported by the Forum for Indian Journalists on Education, Environment, Health & Agriculture (Fijeeha), the event convened experts to discuss how Assam’s tea sector – which produces over 55% of India’s tea and nearly one-sixth of the global supply – can respond to climate challenges through clean energy, innovation, and adaptation.

The webinar showcased how clean natural gas, supplied by Cairn in collaboration with Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL) since 2023, is helping the neighbouring tea estates transition away from coal-based systems. This cleaner, more affordable energy solution not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves operational efficiency across tea gardens. The locally produced gas from the Hazarigaon field is also a prime contributor in fuelling 100 CNG buses in Guwahati, supporting the clean energy initiative of the Government of Assam.

“Cairn remains committed to contributing to Assam’s ecosystem. Our initiatives are focused on building a sustainable future for the state, and the tea industry is central to that mission. We believe the well-being of tea workers and the long-term viability of estates must go hand in hand,” said Ranjan Trivedi, Regional Head, Northeast, Cairn Oil & Gas.

Keynote speaker Roopak Goswami, an independent journalist known for his work on tea, wildlife, and development, celebrated tea as a cultural and social connector. “Why wait for May 21 to celebrate International Tea Day? Why not make every day a tea day? From the morning cup that energises us to the evening brew that relaxes us, tea is more than a beverage – it’s a ritual, a bridge, and a quiet revolution,” he said.

Goswami also pointed to the transformative potential of scientific validation for tea’s health benefits. “Confirmation of health benefits through clinical trials would be one of the biggest milestones in the tea world,” he added, noting that such a shift could drive premium pricing and spur innovation in functional tea products.

Addressing the climate dimension, Rakhi Saikia, Director of Arin Tea Pvt. Ltd., shared her estate’s proactive steps to adapt to changing weather patterns. “We’ve been experiencing hotter summers and unpredictable rain, which are affecting our yields. We’ve introduced drought-resistant tea varieties, planted shade trees, and installed drip irrigation across 30% of the estate. These measures have helped us reduce water use by 15% while maintaining output,” she said. “ Cairn’s supply of clean fuel to our tea estates has significantly reduced our production cost, enabling us to invest more in sustainable practices while preserving the rich legacy of Assam tea,” she added.

The event concluded on a note of cautious optimism, affirming that Assam’s tea industry—steeped in a 200-year-old legacy—can remain a global leader through collaborative innovation, clean energy, and climate-smart farming.

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