Assam tea industry in crisis: Book Advocates for minimum floor price
Guwahati: A new book titled "Minimum Floor Price" was launched in Guwahati, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by the tea industry in Assam.
Author Chandra Kumar Dhanuka, Chairman of the Dhunseri Group, argued that a minimum floor price is crucial for the survival of the sector and its millions of workers.
Dhanuka pointed out the disparity between the fortunes of tea growers and intermediaries. While small tea growers, constituting 52% of the market share, provide livelihoods for around 3 million people, they bear the brunt of low prices and pest attacks.
In contrast, a handful of large buyers control the market, reaping significant profits.
The book highlights the oversupply of tea globally, a situation expected to persist until at least 2030, according to a FAO report.
Dhanuka drew a parallel with the government's Minimum Support Price (MSP) for other agricultural products, arguing that tea farmers deserve similar protection.
Unlike MSP, a floor price mechanism would not require government intervention in buying or funding tea transactions.
Dhanuka underscored the urgent need for this measure to prevent the collapse of the tea industry and safeguard the livelihoods of millions.
Industry leaders, including Hemant Bangur (ITA Chairman), Sandeep Singhania (TAI President), and representatives from various tea growers' associations, participated in the book launch, lending their support to the proposed solution.
