Tripura Tea Development Corporation Ltd (TTDC) Chairman Samir Ghosh said the state-run corporation has substantially reduced its losses

Tripura’s tea industry is witnessing steady growth, creating enhanced employment opportunities and strengthening rural livelihoods, Industries and Commerce Minister Shantana Chakma said on Wednesday.

Addressing a programme here, Chakma said the sector has expanded significantly in recent years, contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy. Along with Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy and Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, he flagged off a ‘Run for Tea Rally’ to promote Tripura’s tea industry and raise awareness about its potential.

Tripura Tea Development Corporation Ltd (TTDC) Chairman Samir Ghosh said the state-run corporation has substantially reduced its losses, bringing them down from Rs 5.4 crore in the 2023-24 financial year to Rs 2.81 crore in 2024-25. He said Tripura tea matches other varieties in taste and aroma, stressing the need for strict quality control and stronger marketing strategies.

Ghosh suggested expanding sales to non-tea-producing states and increasing local consumption to improve revenues. Tripura produced about 90 lakh kg of tea in 2024 and currently has five TTDC-run gardens, 13 cooperative gardens, 36 private estates and nearly 2,800 small tea growers.

He said several welfare measures have been implemented under the Chief Minister’s Tea Workers Welfare Scheme, including raising daily wages from Rs 105 to Rs 204. Infrastructure upgrades include modernisation of the Brahmakunda Tea Processing Centre and a new processing unit at the Machmara estate in North Tripura.

Ghosh added that TTDC aims to achieve zero losses in the current financial year. Meanwhile, the state government plans to develop the Ludhua Tea Estate in South Tripura as a major ecotourism destination, with a detailed project report for the first phase nearing completion.