Tea growers’ meet in Gnathang-Machong focuses on development of local planters

PAKYONG, (IPR): Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) D.T. Lepcha, in the presence of area MLA Pamin Lepcha, attended the Tea Growers’ Meet held at Pakyong today.

Organised by Tea Growers’ Welfare Board (TGWB), Gnathang-Machong, the meeting aimed to discuss key issues and developmental aspects related to tea cultivation in the region, while focusing on the welfare and empowerment of local tea growers.

Addressing the gathering, D.T. Lepcha expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries from the Tea Board of India for visiting the region and extending guidance and assistance to small tea growers, further mentioning that the development of tea plantation in the state is a dream project aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities

Stressing the potential of tea tourism and township development, he stated that the region is expected to witness immense growth in the coming years, which would benefit the local population economically, and urged the attendees to take individual responsibility for maintaining and protecting the plantation areas. He further advised the tea growers to obtain the mandatory QR-based identity cards for small tea growers to avail its benefits and assistance.

Additionally, the Rajya Sabha MP emphasised the importance of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative and stated that no genuine beneficiary should be left out. He then appealed to the concerned officials and public to extend full cooperation for the smooth and effective implementation of the initiative.

MLA Pamin Lepcha stated that tea cultivation holds immense potential in the region and with technical expertise and institutional support, it can emerge as a successful and sustainable tea-growing belt in the years to come. She mentioned that the initiative is not solely about tea cultivation but is a tool to empower rural empowerment, create livelihood generation and bring economic development.

She then highlighted the need for awareness on various government schemes and capacity-building support for the tea growers and requested the Tea Board to organise regular awareness camps, field demonstrations and training programmes in the region to equip the growers with necessary knowledge.

The MLA appealed for the formation of tea growers’ collectives, cooperatives and regional branding mechanisms assistance in areas such as marketing, quality assurance, organic certification, packaging, branding and market linkages to enhance market access, branding value and long-term sustainability.

She stated that approximately three acres of land have already been identified and the acquisition process is currently underway and informed that the establishment of the local tea factory would represent a major milestone for the growers.

S. Soundararajan, director of Tea Development, Tea Board India, Kolkata Head Office, commended the initiatives undertaken for the development of the region, stating that such efforts contribute to socio-economic development while playing a crucial role in empowering the rural communities.

He underscored the importance of prioritising the production of high-quality tea over quantity and assured to provide continued support through quarterly workshops aligned with the tea cultivation seasons, along with institutional training programmes for workers to enhance their understanding of scientific tea cultivation practices and effective management techniques.

Kamal Ch Baishya, executive director of Tea Development, Tea Board India, Siliguri (Zonal Office), informed that the tea cultivation is an eco-friendly and sustainable sector with immense potential for the region and informed that the Tea Board of India has been working towards the overall development of the tea industry for over seven decades through various schemes and financial assistance programmes with emphasis on supporting small tea growers.

He stressed the importance of focusing on quality tea production, particularly organic and orthodox tea, considering the favourable agro-climatic conditions of the region, further advising the growers to carefully select high-quality planting materials and suitable tea varieties to ensure long-term sustainability and better market value. Discussions were also held on financial assistance, subsidy schemes, cultivation practices, factory establishment and marketing strategies for small tea growers.

In addition, a brief presentation was delivered on the guidelines, assistance schemes and eligibility criteria for SHGs and small tea growers. The presentation highlighted measures under SCSP/TASP, support for organising small tea growers through FPOs/FPCs, capacity-building programmes including workshops, seminars, and institutional training on GAP and GMP, health awareness camps for ST workers and educational support for the wards of big tea garden workers and small tea growers owning up to 1 hectare of land.

Furthermore, TGWB president Kamal Kafley highlighted on the history of tea plantation in the region and expressed his gratitude to the Rajya Sabha MP for facilitating opportunities aimed at promoting self-sustainability and expanding tourism in the area. He also addressed on the challenges and accomplishments of the organisation, further outlining on its future vision and objectives.

Earlier, D.T. Lepcha accompanied by officials from the Tea Board of India and Tea Growers’ Welfare Board (TGWB), conducted an inspection of the tea plantation site. During the visit, he interacted with the officials and enquired about the region’s potential for tea cultivation, existing challenges and opportunities for market expansion.

The officials shared insights and practical suggestions on improving tea quality, adopting better cultivation and processing practices to create stronger market linkages and better opportunities for local tea growers.

Also present were panchayat presidents, officials from various line departments and tea growers from different regions.