Guwahati: The Tea Board India recently said a new auction model “Bharat Auction’’ (based on Japanese Auction) will be rolled out in auction centres in Assam and Bengal soon.

"A new auction model “Bharat Auction’’ (based on Japanese Auction) has been developed by the Board and launched in South India in January 2022" the board announced today on the occasion of its 69th Foundation Day

The Tea Board India came into existence as per the provisions of the Tea Act 1953, effective from 1st April 1954.

It said during the Covid Pandemic time the Board has taken various initiatives to ensure the normal functioning of the industry. As part of Ease of Doing Business various steps have been taken to simplify procedures.

Tea Board India said in order to encourage more exports, has taken many initiatives in consultations with the various embassies of India, including buyer-seller meets, and assisted tea exporters to explore new markets.

Tea Board India right from its inception has carried out its functions and responsibilities for the overall development of the Tea Industry implementing various Government plan schemes, as a result of which the Tea Industry in India is the second-largest producer in the World. Tea cultivation in India is spread over 15 States and produces a medley of teas suited to the different tastes and preferences of consumers.

The characteristics of the teas of each region are distinct, which sets them apart from one another in many different ways. The world’s finest teas like Darjeeling, Assam, Sikkim, Nilgiris, and Kangra, which are famous for their delicate flavor, strength, and brightness are produced in India.

The contribution of the Tea Board India to the tea industry led to 101% growth in Area under tea, from 3.16 lakh ha to 6.36 lakh ha, 361% growth in Production, from 278 m.kg to 1283 m.kg
120% growth in Productivity, from 900 kg /ha to 1976 kg /ha, 1304% growth in consumption, from 77 m.kg to 1081 m. kg, the phenomenal growth of small tea growers to 2.10 lakhs, and auctions from manual to e-auction since 2009.

The Board said it has made major interventions for the sustainability of the tea industry like the Implementation of PAN India Auction with payment settlement, the Setting up of a Quality Control Laboratory at Tea Park, Siliguri, West Bengal, Development of the “Chai Sahyog’’ mobile app for the use of tea stakeholders, Collectivization of Small Tea Growers with the formation of self-help groups and farmer producer organisations, putting in place the Plant Protection Code for ensuring the safety of the plantation environment, workers and consumers.

It said Darjeeling, Assam (Orthodox), Nilgiri (Orthodox), and Kangra are registered as GI in India. Logos have been developed for Tripura, Sikkim, Dooars & Terai.

It is said The Indian Tea Industry provides direct gainful employment to a large number of people and helps in providing indirect employment to various sectors of which nearly 58% of the workforce are women.

Alternative e-auction platform m-junction was set up in Dibrugarh, Assam to promote more effective e-commerce in tea.