
In Dibrugarh, members of the All assam Small Tea Growers' Association (AASTGA) organized a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office on Monday. The protest was in response to the dramatic fall in green tea leaf prices, which has severely impacted small tea farmers in the region.
Key Points from the Protest:
1. Plummeting Green Leaf Prices:
o Small tea growers in assam are facing a significant drop in the prices of green tea leaves, which has directly affected their livelihoods. The price fall has made it increasingly difficult for many growers to sustain their operations.
2. Protest at DC Office:
o The protest outside the DC office in Dibrugarh was aimed at drawing attention to the issue and urging the state government to take action. Growers are demanding that the government intervene to stabilize prices and ensure fair compensation.
3. Economic Strain on Farmers:
o Small tea growers, who are the backbone of Assam's tea industry, are struggling due to lower wages and increased production costs. With the decline in prices, many are unable to cover basic expenses like labor and equipment costs.
4. Call for government Intervention:
o Protesters have called for the government to implement regulations that will prevent the manipulation of prices and ensure a livelihood for small-scale tea farmers. They also seek a more structured market mechanism to help them cope with fluctuating prices.
Impact on the Tea Industry:
· assam, one of the largest producers of tea in India, depends heavily on both small and large tea growers. The price slump is not only hurting the farmers but also affecting the overall tea industry, which contributes significantly to the state's economy.
· Small tea growers have long faced challenges related to pricing instability, poor infrastructure, and inadequate support. As a result, many fear that the crisis could push them out of business, leading to a rise in unemployment and a decline in tea production.
Conclusion:
The protest in Dibrugarh highlights the growing concerns among small tea growers in assam over the sharp decline in green tea leaf prices. The farmers' call for government intervention is critical to ensure that Assam's tea industry remains sustainable and that small growers can continue to thrive despite the challenges posed by volatile market conditions.
As the situation develops, it will be important to see how the state government responds to the demands and whether meaningful actions are taken to address the concerns of small tea growers.
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