Guwahati, Dec 1: The Central government has assured to address the financial challenges faced by the Tocklai Tea Research Institute (TTRI), located in Jorhat in upper Assam. Recognized as the world’s oldest and largest tea research facility, TTRI has been grappling with a severe fund crunch, threatening its operations and legacy.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Guwahati. The meeting, attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other senior officials, focused on revitalizing the institute and safeguarding its future.

Goyal assured stakeholders that the Union Ministry would take decisive steps to alleviate TTRI’s financial constraints. Key measures include plans to waive the requirement for a 50% margin on upgrading Tocklai’s laboratory, which has been a significant financial hurdle. The Minister also suggested leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from major corporations like Hindustan Unilever Ltd. and Tata Consumer Products Ltd. to provide additional support.

During the meeting, Joydeep Phukan, Secretary of the Tea Research Association (TRA), highlighted that reduced contributions from the tea industry and funding caps imposed by the Tea Board have severely hampered the institute’s ability to fulfil its obligations. These include delays in employee benefits and disruptions to critical research activities.

Adding on to TRA’s plea, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also urged the central government to enhance its financial backing to ensure the institute’s long-term viability. He reiterated the critical role of the institute in sustaining and advancing the tea industry.

Founded in 1911, TTRI has been a pioneering institution in tea research and development. Since coming under the aegis of the Tea Research Association in 1964, it has played a central role in advancing tea cultivation, improving yields, and fostering innovation. However, the institute’s financial struggles deepened after the withdrawal of support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 1996, leaving it reliant on industry contributions and government assistance.

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