The state of Assam is the world's largest tea-growing region, lying on either side of the Brahmaputra River.Assam is generally known for its distinctive black teas,however the region also produces smaller quantities of green and white teas as well with their own distinctive characteristics. The credit of discovery of Assam tea plant goes to Robert Bruce, who noticed the plant growing wild in the hills near Rangpur in 1823 during his trading mission.Maniram Dewan, who belonged to Ahom royal family and also a known freedom fighter, was the first Assamese tea planter.He planted tea in various parts of Assam led by Robert Bruce in 1823.British took initiatives,tea was planted all over Assam and many tea gardens were established. Many workers from various part of India like Bihar, Orissa were imported to Assam. Slowly Assam grew as the highest tea producing state in the world. Tea industry plays a very special role in the State economy in particular and in the national economy in general. Tea industry has contributed substantially to the economy of Assam.Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur are the districts where tea gardens are mostly found in Assam. The cultivation of tea depends upon following conditions. They are: (i) The soil should be fertile and well- drained (ii) It requires a warm and moist climate throughout the year (iii) The temperature should be 14° C to 27° C (iv) The annual rainfall should be around 150 cm to 250 cm. Frequent showers well distributed over the year is ideal. All these conditions are found in Assam particularly in the Himalayan foothills of the state. Tea can be classified into three classes, namely, fermented or Black tea, non-fermented or Green tea, defermented or Oolong tea.The stages and the manner of processing are common for all the three. First, the tender leaves are plucked and then heated for about 18-24 hours after which they are rolled down by machines which make them into small grains. They are then exposed to sun for about 30-40 minutes and then packed and sent for marketing. Tea is the largest industry of the state, providing employment to thousands of people in the state.Tea industry brings in a great deal of revenue to the state exchequer by way of taxes, excise and road levy. The industry has been instrumental in the development of ancillary industries such as, plywood, aluminium, fertilizer, pesticides, communication and transport, warehouse industries, etc. Assam Tea has maintained its international reputation and commands significant share in the world Tea Market. The tea industry in Assam provides average daily employment to more than six lakh persons in the State. Tea industry of Assam is in the grip of severe crisis mainly due to the threat of militancy and financial bottlenecks. Unless and until these two key problems are adequately settled,the downward sliding of the industry would reach such a point that its return to normalcy would be impossible. The responsibility of putting the industry back to its rails squarely lies with the state government. Assam Tea Festival : A visit to Assam in the month of November,will make you witness and be part of Assam Tea festival. It is organized by the Assam tourism and is the completely unique experience which should not be missed.Tourists can make a visit to the Guwahati Tea Auction Center in Guwahati, which is the largest in India. Lots of modernization happened to the tea industry in 20th century and Indian companies like Tata, Birla entered the industry when British left India. But the workers brought to Assam from outside remained there and they became integral part of Assamese culture and society. Tea gardens not only add to economy but also it adds the aesthetic beauty.The beautiful tea gardens on the both side of the highways in Assam is really very attractive.The tea plants are kept short by only two-three feet by regular cutting. This increases the trunks of the tree and so the leaves. Optimum amount of shadow is provided to the tea plants by planting big trees. This is why always the tea gardens look like lines of trees over a green carpet.They are the lifeline without which the state would have remained impoverished, undeveloped and economically at its lowest rung. Today tea industry of Assam constitutes its largest industry, providing livelihood, revenue, employment and development.
Tea Industry in Assam is the heart and soul of Assam as it provides employment to a large number of people ans well as generates revenue for the state which in turn generates revenue for India.
Assam Tea is famous all over the World and is exported to different parts of the World. The weather of Assam is perfect for tea plantation and a huge number of people are employed in the tea industry. The industry contributes remarkable to the revenue of the State. Moreover, the Tea Gardens are a great attraction for tourist as then are keen to see and know how tea is produced.
Assam is a land that is rich in natural resources and bio diversities. The state has the perfect climate and geographical location for production of tea. The state of Assam relies on Tea Industry as it employs a major population of the state. It also contributes hugely to the revenue of the state as well as the nation.
The Tea industry of Assam is the major revenue generator of the State and employs more than half of the population of Assam. Assam tea is renowned all over the World. Assam has the perfect climate for tea plantation and is a major tea producer of India. The state has several tea gardens that produces the best quality tea in the World. These tea gardens also attracts a lot of tourists.
