Guwahati: The Assam tea industry has witnessed significant growth with over Rs 2,800 crore worth of tea sold at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) during the current financial year (2024-2025) so far.
According to official data from the GTAC, approximately 111.03 million kilograms of tea were sold at an average price of Rs 252 per kilogram during the current financial year (2024-2025) until October.
This represents a substantial increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year (2023-2024) when 102.92 million kilograms were sold at an average price of Rs 200.08 per kilogram.
“Compared to the previous year, we have achieved an increase of Rs 52.75 per kg this year. Last year, we sold tea worth Rs 2,059 crore from April to October, whereas this year, during the same period, we sold tea worth Rs 2,807 crore. Last year, we sold 102.92 million kg of tea, and this year, it increased to 111.03 million kg,” Dinesh Bihani, Secretary of the Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers’ Association (GTABA), told a new agency.
He said that due to climate change, tea production saw a shortfall of about 63 million kg between April and September this year.
“This production shortage has driven up tea prices, particularly for high-quality tea. However, we expect some recovery in production this month. Additionally, 31 million kg more tea has been exported this year compared to the previous year. Demand for Indian tea has increased in markets like Russia, Iran, and other European countries,” Bihani added.
He stated that most tea gardens in Assam have adopted digital payment methods for labourers’ wages.
The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre is now fully digitalized, with all operations conducted electronically, he said.
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Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Assam Government and Union Government for the development of the tea industry, he added, “This year, the bonus payments have been excellent, benefiting labourers significantly. We are optimistic about the assistance provided by the Assam Government. Together with the Central Government, the Assam Government, and the tea industry, we aim to restore the historic prominence of Assam’s tea industry.”
