Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, during his visit to Guwahati, engaged with key stakeholders of Assam’s tea industry to address its challenges and outline support measures. discussions involved producer associations, labor unions, and consumer groups, focusing on issues such as financial constraints and modernization.
A key highlight was minister’s assurance of funding support for Tocklai Tea Research Institute, a 114-year-old institute crucial to Assam’s tea sector. Piyush Goyal announced waiver of a 50% margin requirement for upgrading Tocklai’s laboratory and suggested utilizing CSR funding from major players like Hindustan Unilever and Tata Consumer Products.
Goyal also proposed a roadmap to position India as a global tea capital, emphasizing innovation, exports, and tea tourism. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted tea’s importance to Assam’s economy, stressing Prime Minister’s Tea Workers Scheme, which allocates Rs. 1,000 crore, including Rs. 400 crore for Assam.
Key Meeting Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Meeting Participants | Producers, labor unions, consumer groups, and Assam government officials |
| Funding Assurance | Support for Tocklai Tea Research Institute |
| Major Announcement | Waiver of 50% margin for Tocklai lab upgrades |
| Proposed Initiatives | Innovation, exports of premium tea, tea tourism, and rural development |
| PM’s Tea Workers Scheme | Rs. 1,000 crore allocated, Rs. 400 crore for Assam |
| Dignitaries Present | CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Ministers Bimal Borah, Sanjoy Kishan, Tea Board Deputy Chairman Saurav Pahari |
Summary
Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit underscored government’s commitment to revitalizing Assam’s tea industry through funding, modernization, and innovation. His proactive measures aim to secure sector’s future and empower its workforce.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and official statements. Readers are advised to verify details independently for additional insights.
