In a move to boost the tea industry in Tripura, the Tripura Tea Development Corporation Ltd (TTDC) has undertaken a series of steps, including modernizing tea processing factories and setting up a Mini Tea Processing Factory with an estimated cost worth over Rs 6 Crore.
Tripura is a traditional tea-growing state with a history of tea plantations dating back to 1916. Presently, there are 54 tea estates and 2,755 small tea growers, producing over 90 lakh kg of made tea annually. This makes Tripura the 6th largest tea-producing state among the 16 tea-producing states, after Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Some tea estates also produce green tea (Golakpur and Fatikcherra). Tea produced in Tripura mostly sells in Guwahati and Kolkata auctions, although some portion of production is also sold locally or through marketing channels in northern and western India.
As per Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, TTDC has undertaken an initiative for the modernization and up gradation of the Brahmakunda Tea Processing Factory of TTDC Ltd., which is 40% completed, with financial assistance from NEC Shillong.
“The estimated cost for civil work is Rs 2 crore while the estimated cost for machineries and equipment is Rs 49.22 lakh,” she said.
She further mentioned that the foundation stone for the Agartala Tea e-Auction Centre was laid by the Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, on March 14, 2024. The selection of agencies for the functioning of the Agartala Tea Auction Centre through tender is currently under process.
Setting up of a Mini Tea Processing Factory at Machmara Tea Estate under TTDC with financial assistance from the Tribal Welfare Department and TTDC's own fund is finalized and under progress through TIDC Ltd with a total estimated cost of Rs 3.27 crore. The financial assistance from the Tribal Welfare Department is Rs 1 crore, while the remaining balance is from the own fund of TTDC Ltd,” she told reporters.
She also informed that the government is planning to start a diploma study course on Tea Management at MBB University, which is in the final stage with technical and logistic support from TTDC Ltd and other stakeholders of the Tripura tea industry. A proposal for setting up a Tea Park in Tripura for the promotion of the Tripura tea industry as a whole has been sent to the Industry and Commerce Department of Tripura for approval.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.