Assam: Cabinet Minister Rupesh Gowala Reviews Tea Garden Workers' Welfare Initiatives in Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh: Rupesh Gowala, Assam's Cabinet Minister, held a special review meeting at Greenwood Tea Estate in Dibrugarh yesterday. The meeting included senior officials from the Labour Department, district administration, tea garden management, and worker representatives.

The main focus was on improving the welfare of tea garden workers, in line with initiatives led by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The minister instructed the relevant departments to speed up the completion of ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the living and working conditions of workers. He also emphasized the need to address the community’s needs and ensure timely implementation of welfare schemes.

Meanwhile, the Small Tea Growers Sustainability Program (STGSP) successfully organized a "Krishak Sammilan" event on February 5, 2025, in Dibrugarh, Assam, bringing together over 150 small tea growers.

The event celebrated the program’s progress, launched in 2023 by IDH and Unilever, which aims to improve the livelihoods of 1,500 small tea growers in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts. Focused on sustainable farming practices and enhancing market access, the program has also opened doors to alternative income sources for the growers.

During the event, small tea growers had the opportunity to interact with industry experts from the Tea Board of India, Tea Research Association, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Key discussions included the importance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the role of Bought Leaf Factories in increasing incomes.

Over 60% of farms have undergone pruning, and more than 70% of growers have diversified their income. The event also featured stalls showcasing products from farmers and Self-Help Groups.

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