The enhanced financial support, along with rising production and new free trade agreements with the UK, EU and US, is expected to strengthen Assam tea’s position in international markets
Guwahati: The Assam government has announced an increase in the subsidy for orthodox tea from Rs 10 per kilogram to Rs 15 per kilogram, a move unveiled by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a media conference to accelerate exports and restore the state’s dominance in the global tea trade.
The enhanced support is aimed at encouraging more tea estates to shift towards premium orthodox varieties, which enjoy stronger demand in international markets.
The decision comes amid a strong turnaround for the tea sector. Assam recorded an additional production of nearly 50 million kilograms this year, with exports alone rising by around 40 million kilograms, the sharpest growth in over two decades. Orthodox tea output has also climbed significantly, driven by earlier policy incentives.
Sales at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre have strengthened, with orthodox tea volumes more than doubling compared to last year, reflecting renewed global interest in Assam’s high-quality produce.
Further momentum is expected from recently signed free trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union, along with fresh tariff benefits under the India–US trade arrangement, providing wider market access for Indian tea.
Officials believe the combined impact of higher subsidies, improved production and favourable trade conditions will help Assam tea reclaim its long-standing global leadership and usher in a new phase of growth for the industry.
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