Bandhs New Threat to Tea Industry: North Eastern Tea Association

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Aug 20: Already striving for its survival, the nearly two-century-old Assam tea industry has come under a newer threat from the growing bandh culture in the State.

Assam is infamous for myriads of bandhs and agitations, but the functioning of tea gardens was never hampered. However, of late it is observed that different organizations (not recognized ones) call bandhs frequently, paralyzing normal functioning of tea gardens. Green tea leaf is highly perishable. One such band was called on Monday by the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) demanding hike in tea labourers’ wage. Since plucking of tea leaf is a daily activity it has to be processed on time to prevent fall in tea quality leading to loss, feels North Eastern Tea Association (NETA). According to the NETA, the loss incurred in one day’s harvest cannot be made up the next day.

Tea is the lifeline industry in Assam with the livelihood of lakhs of people depending on it. The recent wage hike, according to the NETA, has already raised concerns over its survival. According to the NETA, the changing and erratic weather condition has been a constant challenge for the industry at a time when prices at tea auctions have been almost stagnant over the years and the cost of production has been on the rise.

“Amidst such alarming issues, calling of frequent bandhs and causing direct economic loss to the workforce and the management of the Tea Industry is unbearable and unacceptable. It seems some forces are hellbent on destroying the tea industry. The tea industry is sure to have a slow and painful death if this menace of bandh is not stopped immediately,” said NETA chairman Nepul Saikia.

“We, hereby, appeal to the Government of Assam to take necessary measures so that tea gardens can function normally and are not affected by any kind of bandh in future. We also appeal to all organizations to consider tea gardens under essential commodities and keep them out of the purview of bandhs”, said NETA adviser Bidyananda Barkakoty.