Tea plantations in Tripura date back to 1916, and the state today ranks sixth among India’s 16 tea-producing states
Tripura is set to get its own tea auction centre, becoming the second state in Northeast India to have a tea auction centre after Assam, in a move expected to significantly strengthen the state’s tea sector and improve earnings for growers.
The proposed auction centre is likely to become operational next year. The announcement was made by Samir Ranjan Ghosh, Chairman of the Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDC), while speaking on the sidelines of the Run For Tea – 2025 programme held in Agartala on Wednesday.
At present, a major share of tea produced in Tripura is transported to auction centres in Guwahati and West Bengal, resulting in high transportation costs and stiff competition. Ghosh said the new auction centre would help overcome these long-standing challenges, enabling better price realisation and benefiting producers, sellers and others associated with the tea industry.
“With the auction centre coming up in Tripura, transportation issues will be largely resolved, ensuring better returns for tea growers,” he said, adding that most of the groundwork for the project has already been completed under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha.
Tripura currently has 54 large tea gardens, including estates run by the TTDC, cooperative societies and private owners. In addition, nearly 2,800 small tea growers contribute about 30 per cent of the state’s total annual tea production, which stands at around 90 lakh kilograms. More than 60 per cent of this output is presently sold through auction markets outside the state.
Tea plantations in Tripura date back to 1916, and the state today ranks sixth among India’s 16 tea-producing states. The tea produced in Tripura is known for its distinct liquor and flavour, with some estates also manufacturing green and organic tea. The upcoming auction centre is expected to further strengthen Tripura’s presence on the national tea map.
the Run For Tea – 2025, is an annual event organised by the TTDC to promote Tripura tea, encourage the use of local products and spread awareness about the health benefits of tea. The event also aims to engage youth in positive activities and promote a drug-free society.
Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumdar and other dignitaries participated in the event, which witnessed a turnout of over 1,000 participants.
