Despite assurance from the union minister of state for commerce Jairam Ramesh about the government?s support to small tea growers (STGs), about 2.5 lakhs STGs continue face ?hurdles? in realising proper prices for their produce.
At present, small tea growers produce more than 23% of the country?s 850 million annual production.
While launching an apex body of STGs?the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Association (CISTA) in December 2007, Ramesh had promised resources and technical support to STGs. According to CISTA, the government promised that the growers would get 50 % subsidy on the cost of Rs 2 crore for putting up a processing plant.
?The government did promise us support, but we are yet to see any moves,? Satyajit Bordolai, president of CISTA told FE. ?Due to absence of any processing facilities, we are forced to supply teas to the bough-leaf factories, which reduces our role in determining prices,? Bordolai said. Even STGs do not have access to waerehousing and quality control instruments.
Bijoy Gopal Chakraborty, vice president of CISTA admitted that since only 10% of STGs are registered with the Tea Board, they do not get any financial incentives and supports from Banks. At present, the tea estates of less than 25 acres are regarded as smallholdings.