Agartala, May 23, 2025: “Tripura’s tea industry is not just surviving — it’s thriving,” says Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, as he inaugurated a major new tea sales and production facility in Gandhigram on Friday.

In a significant step towards revitalizing the state’s tea economy, Nath launched a state-of-the-art tea sales center and packet production unit at the Durgabari Tea Garden Workers’ Cooperative Society Limited, marking what he described as “a new chapter of opportunity and growth” for thousands of tea workers and small growers across Tripura.

Cooperative Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, former MLA Krishnadhan Das, and Tripura Tea Board Chairman Samir Ranjan Ghosh were present at the event, among other dignitaries. The ministers praised the state’s renewed focus on supporting farmers and promoting sustainable growth in the tea industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nath emphasized Tripura’s long-standing tea heritage and noted that India remains the world’s second-largest tea producer after China, with an annual output of over 1.3 million metric tons.

He highlighted the significant strides made under the BJP-led government since 2018, stating, “Government-run tea production, which had plummeted to 1.72 lakh kg in 2017-18, has now surged past 7 lakh kg in 2024-25. This growth is a direct result of farmer-centric policies and well-planned interventions.”

Nath further revealed that the combined tea output from government, cooperative, and private estates has risen from 70 lakh kg to over 90 lakh kg during the same period. “This resurgence is turning the tea industry into a vital contributor to Tripura’s economy,” he added.

To safeguard the interests of over 7,000 tea workers, the state has introduced the Mukhyamantri Chaa Srami Kalyan Prakalpa, offering housing, ration, and financial aid by integrating state and central schemes. Daily wages for tea workers have also been increased to ₹176 from ₹105 under previous regimes.

The Minister also announced upcoming tea processing units at Brahmakunda, Machmara, and other locations, aimed at enhancing productivity and employment. Promotional activities like the ‘Run for Tea’ campaign are also being used to expand market reach.

Echoing Nath’s sentiments, Minister Noatia lauded the pivotal role of rural cooperatives in empowering tea growers and strengthening the cooperative movement in the state.