Dibrugarh, May 4: President of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), Paban Singh Ghatowar, made a clarion call for a holistic revival of Assam’s tea industry during the annual general conference of the Bharatiya Cha Parishad (BCP) held in Dibrugarh on Saturday evening.

Highlighting the rich legacy of tea cultivation established by the British over two centuries ago, Ghatowar urged all stakeholders—estate owners, workers, policymakers, and the government—to collaborate in restoring Assam tea to its former global eminence.

“As we gather here today, let us remember that Assam tea was once the pride of the industry. It is time for all of us—producers, workers, and the government—to come together and ensure that our tea once again rules the roost,” Ghatowar said during his keynote address as the Chief Guest.

The gathering brought together key voices from the tea sector who shared insights into tackling the current challenges confronting the labour-intensive industry.

Former Chairman of the Tea Board of India, Prabhat Bezbaruah, stressed the importance of quality-driven production. “Quality must be the driver for our survival. We need to focus on producing superior tea that meets international standards to compete effectively in the global market,” he said.

Veteran industrialist Manoj Jalan added that technological transformation was critical for the future of Assam tea. Investing in technology can streamline our processes and enhance the quality of our products. It’s time to embrace innovation like AI to keep pace with changing market demands,” Jalan said.

The conference also marked a leadership change within the BCP. Nalin Khemani, who delivered the welcome address, stepped down after a productive term as Chairman, handing over responsibilities to Sarvesh Saharia, who will lead the Parishad for the 2025–2027 term.

Reflecting on the sector’s evolving landscape, Khemani called for sustainable reforms. “The tea industry has been a cornerstone of many cultures for centuries. To ensure its longevity, we must recognise that sustainability and evolution go hand in hand. As consumer preferences shift and the world grapples with climate change, we must adapt and innovate. Diversifying our land use is essential. We should consider alternate uses for at least 25% of our tea plantations to support our core 75% and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of workers.”

The Bharatiya Cha Parishad, now in its 80th year, remains a critical player in Assam’s tea industry, representing 103 members spanning tea estates and bought leaf factories across the state.

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