The Sentinel
ASSAM’S TEA INDUSTRY: 183 GLORIOUS YEARS
06 Jan, 2021
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First Tea Garden
In 1837, the British established the first English tea garden at Chabua in Assam.
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Assam Tea Company
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.
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COVID impact
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.
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Tea Gardens in Assam
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.
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Huge Employment Generator
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.
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72nd Republic Day
On the occasion of 72nd Republic Day parade, Assam’s tea industry will be showcased in the tableau.
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