26/08/2025
Guwahati, August 26: A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Central Government to take immediate measures to safeguard the Indian tea industry, particularly Assam, which is reeling under pressure from rising imports.
In its 194th report, the panel flagged that subsidies and incentives offered by countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Kenya have made their teas more competitive, leading to an alarming rise in imports. BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia warned that Assam is witnessing a 45% surge in Kenyan tea imports, leaving warehouses overstocked and pushing down auction prices.
Saikia highlighted the plight of 1.33 lakh Small Tea Growers in Assam, who produce more than 55% of the state’s tea and support nearly one million livelihoods. With raw green leaf prices dropping to as low as ₹12–14 per kg, growers fear further decline if imports continue unchecked.
The Tea Board of India has already introduced safeguards, including mandatory labeling of imported teas, blending restrictions with GI-tagged teas, and strict FSSAI compliance checks. However, the Committee also recommended a review of the Indo-Nepal trade agreement, pointing out that Nepalese teas enter India duty-free while Indian exports face high tariffs.
Calling the situation critical, the panel suggested a revival package for shut-down tea gardens and formation of an impartial body to assess the sector’s health.
The recommendations aim to ensure fair competition, protect Assam’s heritage tea industry, and secure the livelihoods of thousands dependent on it.