04-05-2025
Technology, quality & strategy: Experts chart Assam tea's future at Dibrugarh meet
Dibrugarh: Former union minister and Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) president Paban Singh Ghatowar has urged stakeholders to come together to rejuvenate Assam's tea sector. He made this appeal at the parishad's annual general conference in Dibrugarh on Saturday.
Celebrating 80 years of BCP's service since its founding in 1944, the event brought industry leaders together to address critical challenges. BCP currently represents 103 members across Assam, including tea estates and bought leaf factories.
"The tea industry, established by the British two centuries ago, has long been the backbone of Assam's economy, yet today it faces unprecedented challenges," Ghatowar said as the event's chief guest. "We need a holistic approach — planters, workers, policymakers, and technologists must collaborate. Govt support and collective action are essential to restoring
Assam tea
's global stature," he added.
Former Tea Board of India chairperson Prabhat Bezbaruah stressed quality as the industry's lifeline. "A more sympathetic approach from the Central government would help, but ultimately, our survival depends on meeting global standards. If we want Assam tea to thrive, quality must be our top priority," he said.
Tea veteran and industrialist Manoj Jalan underscored technological advancements as crucial for progress.
"The future of Assam tea lies in smart agriculture — AI-driven pest control, yield prediction, and precision farming. We can't afford to lag behind in technology adoption. These innovations will optimize production, quality control, and market responsiveness," Jalan said.
Outgoing BCP chairperson Nalin Khemani highlighted the need for adaptation in his farewell address. "To secure the industry's future, sustainability and evolution must go hand in hand. Challenges such as shifting consumer preferences, climate change, stagnant demand, and overproduction require urgent action," he said.
Khemani proposed strategic land diversification as a solution. "We should repurpose at least 25% of tea-growing land for alternative uses, allowing the remaining 75% to flourish while safeguarding the livelihoods of our million-strong workforce," he said.
The conference also witnessed a change in leadership, with Sarvesh Saharia taking over as BCP Chairman for the 2025-2027 session, succeeding Khemani.
Industry stakeholders expressed confidence that with the right strategies and unified efforts, Assam tea can reclaim its global prominence.
