Archive · 9 Aug 2025
Assam Tea Growers Seek Government Help Amid Production Decline
Tea farmers in Assam are having a tough time.
They're growing less tea than before, but not getting paid enough for their leaves.
They want the government to set a minimum price, like they do for rice, to help them.
Climate change and lack of water are making it harder to grow tea.
They're worried that cheap tea from other places is lowering prices.
The government and tea companies met and agreed on a price, but the farmers want it to be followed so they can make a living.
Assam tea production has declined by nearly 30% due to climate change and lack of irrigation facilities.
Small tea growers in Assam are receiving low prices for green tea leaves, below sustainable levels.
The Small Tea Growers Association of Jorhat is urging the government to implement a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 25 per kg.
A recent meeting set a price of Rs 25 per kg for green leaves with specific conditions.
Growers are concerned about lower-quality leaves from neighboring states affecting prices.
- Who
- Small tea growers in Assam
- What
- Assam tea growers are facing challenges due to declining production and low prices for green tea leaves.
- When
- Production has fallen in the past few years; this year, it is down by 30%.
- Where
- Assam, India
- Why
- Due to rising production costs, climate change, lack of irrigation and the inflow of lower quality tea.
Small Tea Growers' Concerns
Industry Stakeholders
Pricing of Green Tea Leaves
Small Tea Growers' Concerns
Demand implementation of the fixed price of Rs 25/kg for green tea leaves to ensure fair compensation for their labor.
Industry Stakeholders
Factory owners and industry stakeholders have the perspective of implementing the fixed rate of 25/kg under certain conditions.
- Production Decline
- 30%
- Proposed MSP
- Rs 25/kg
- Main concern
- Low prices for green tea leaves
- Meeting Outcome
- Rs 25/kg price agreed
- Affected Group
- Small tea growers