Highlighting the rich heritage and growing potential of Tripura’s tea industry, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma today said the state government has undertaken several initiatives to promote Tripura tea and expand its reach to national and international markets.

The minister was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Run for Tea 2025’ race and rally at the Tea Corner of Bir Chandra Central Library. The event was organised by the Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL) in collaboration with the Tea Board of India.

Chakma said the government has been working since 2018 to boost tea production and improve the socio-economic conditions of tea workers. “Earlier, tea workers were paid a daily wage of ₹105, which has now been increased to ₹204,” she said. She also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Tea Workers Development Scheme, under which nearly 4,000 tea worker families have already been allotted two ganda of land each. The process to cover the remaining beneficiaries is currently underway through the district administrations.

Emphasising the joint commitment of the Centre and the state towards economic strengthening and self-reliance, Chakma urged people to adopt the ‘Vocal for Local’ approach by promoting indigenous products. “By working together beyond caste, religion and creed, we can achieve inclusive development and build a new Tripura,” she said. She also appealed for collective efforts to create a drug-free society to realise the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Atmanirbhar Tripura.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, who attended the programme as a guest of honour, said that Tripura tea matches the quality, taste and aroma of tea produced in other states. He informed that the state has already developed its own tea brands and plans are underway to establish a tea auction centre in Tripura next year. Roy added that Tripura tea is currently being sold through ration shops and various outlets across the state, while steps are being taken to modernise packaging and market the product across India.

Deputy Director of the Tea Board of India, Ramesh Lal Vaishya, also addressed the gathering. The programme was presided over by TTDCL Chairman Samir Ranjan Ghosh.