Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the picturesque Hatikhuli Tea Estate in Assam’s Golaghat district, where he experienced firsthand the art of tea plucking and pledged central government support for Assam’s tea industry.
During his visit, Chouhan borrowed a traditional bamboo tea-plucking basket from a worker, strapped it on his back, and plucked a few tea leaves himself. “Experiencing tea plucking firsthand was humbling. The hard work and dedication of tea garden workers are what make Assam tea a global favorite. The workers here are the backbone of an industry that brings pride to our nation,” he said.
Accompanied by Assam’s Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Chouhan expressed admiration for the region’s natural beauty and the quality of its tea production. “Assam tea has carved a special place for itself in the global market through its distinctive flavor and superior quality. The central government will extend all possible assistance to further develop the tea industry here, ensuring better opportunities for workers and enhanced global market reach,” he added.
Chouhan’s visit comes at a time when the tea industry in Assam is seeking greater support for modernization and market expansion. Bora highlighted the state’s vision for the future, emphasizing the untapped potential of tea tourism. “Assam holds tremendous potential to emerge as a global hotspot for tea tourism. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam government is making dedicated efforts to transform this vision into a vibrant reality,” Bora said.
Tea garden workers expressed their joy at Chouhan’s visit, saying such gestures boost their morale. “It’s heartening to see a Union Minister take interest in our work. We hope his assurances translate into better facilities and fairer wages for us,” said Rina Orang, a tea plucker at Hatikhuli.
Chouhan’s engagement with tea workers and his commitment to supporting Assam’s tea industry have been widely appreciated, with stakeholders hoping for concrete policy measures to enhance the sector’s growth and sustainability.
