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Tripura's Tea Auction Centre: How It Will Transform the Beverage Industry

Tripura is getting its own tea auction centre by next year, which is big news for local growers. Right now, most of the state's tea has to travel far to be sold, which hikes up costs. This new centre will keep things local, helping sellers get better prices and coordination. It was announced at a big community run that also aims to promote Tripura's unique tea and support healthy lifestyles.

Key Points: Tripura Tea Auction Centre to Boost State Beverage Industry

  • New auction centre aims to cut transport costs for tea currently sold in Guwahati and West Bengal
  • Tripura produces about 90 lakh kg of tea annually from 54 gardens and 2,800 small growers
  • The 'Run For Tea 2025' event promotes local tea branding and youth engagement against drugs
  • Ministers highlight tea as Tripura's largest industry, vital for local livelihoods and the 'Vocal for Local' initiative
2 min read

Tripura's tea auction centre soon to give impetus to beverage industry

Tripura announces a new tea auction centre for 2025 to cut costs, improve prices for growers, and boost the local industry, revealed at the 'Run For Tea' event.

"The proposed auction centre will address the long-standing transportation challenges faced by tea producers in the state. - Article"

Agartala, Dec 17

Tripura is set to have its own tea auction centre by next year, a move expected to give a major impetus to the state's beverages industry.

The information was shared by Samir Ranjan Ghosh, chairman of Tripura Tea Development Corporation, while flagging off the 'Run For Tea - 2025' program, organised in the city, this morning.

This year's run saw participation of over a thousand people, including ministers, public representatives and other dignitaries.

The event was inaugurated by Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, while Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumdar, West Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, Olympian gymnast Dipa Karmakar and Tea Board of India Deputy Director Raman Lal Baishya were also present.

Addressing the gathering, ministers highlighted that tea is the largest industry in Tripura, providing livelihoods to a large number of people. They said that initiatives like 'Run For Tea' not only help in branding Tripura tea but also engage youths in positive activities, keeping them away from the menace of drugs.

The proposed auction centre will address the long-standing transportation challenges faced by tea producers in the state.

At present, a major portion of Tripura's tea is transported to auction markets in Guwahati and West Bengal, resulting in higher production costs.

The setting up of an auction centre within the state will facilitate not just better coordination among sellers and buyers but will also cut down on transportation expenses and bring better price realisation for tea producers and all those associated with the sector.

Currently, Tripura has 54 sprawling tea gardens, including the ones run by state-owned Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited and the Tripura Cooperative Society, along with privately owned estates.

Around 2,800 small tea growers contribute nearly 30 per cent of the state's total tea production, which stands at about 90 lakh kilograms annually.

More than 60 per cent of this production is presently sold through auction markets outside the state.

The 'Run For Tea - 2025' is an annual initiative aimed at promoting Tripura tea, known for its unique aroma and flavour.

The event focused on spreading awareness about the health benefits of tea and encouraging the consumption of locally produced items in line with the 'Vocal for Local' and Swadeshi initiatives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from a tea-growing family in Assam, I know the struggle of transportation costs. This move will be a game-changer for Tripura's small growers. Hope it's implemented smoothly and the benefits actually reach the farmers, not just the big estates.
R
Rahul R
Good initiative, but I hope they focus on the infrastructure too. Just having an auction centre isn't enough. Need good roads and storage facilities. Also, 'Run For Tea' is a nice concept to engage youth. More such positive events are needed.
D
Dipa K
So proud to see Dipa Karmakar supporting this! Tripura tea has a lovely flavour, distinct from Darjeeling or Assam. With a proper marketing push and now this auction centre, it can become a national brand. Let's all support our local produce.
M
Michael C
Interesting read. The economic logic is sound—cutting transportation costs directly improves margins for producers. The social angle of engaging youth and combating drug use is also very smart. Hope this becomes a model for other agricultural sectors in India.
A
Anjali F
Respectfully, while the auction centre is welcome, the article glosses over the challenges of the 2800 small growers. Will they have equal access? Or will it be dominated by the big 54 gardens? The policy must ensure a level playing field for the real backbone of the industry.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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