Assam’s Tea Industry Faces Import Pressure Amid Kenyan Tea Surge
Threats to Assam’s tea sector are growing, according to BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia, who has raised alarms over the increasing influx of Kenyan tea imports into Indian markets. Speaking at a press meet in Jorhat on August 25, Saikia warned that this trend could damage Assam’s globally recognized tea industry and destabilize the livelihoods of over a million workers.
In a strongly worded statement delivered at a press meet in Jorhat, Saikia accused certain business lobbies of flooding the market with low-cost imports, undercutting Assam’s premium tea and jeopardizing the livelihood of millions of tea garden workers.
“This is not just an economic issue. It is a cultural and existential crisis for Assam,” Saikia declared.
Understanding the Threats to Assam’s Tea Sector
What’s Driving the Kenyan Tea Influx?
Kenyan tea, known for its bold flavor and low cost of production, has gained popularity in global markets. Recent trade shifts and liberalized import policies have made it easier for Indian traders to source tea from Kenya at lower rates.
While this may benefit bulk tea buyers in the short term, it puts pressure on the price and demand for Assam tea, which is costlier due to higher labor wages and traditional processing methods.
According to industry insiders, Kenyan tea imports into India have surged over 60% in the past year, particularly affecting auction prices in Guwahati and Kolkata.
Economic and Social Impact in Assam
Assam is home to over 850 tea estates and produces more than 50% of India’s total tea output. The industry supports around 1.2 million workers, many of whom belong to marginalized communities.
Falling Prices, Rising Panic
Local planters have reported a steep fall in auction prices. Some small growers are now selling tea leaves at below production cost, leading to increased debt and financial instability.
“This is pushing us toward collapse,” said Ramen Gogoi, a small tea grower from Dibrugarh. “If the government doesn’t act, we will be forced to shut down.”
The situation has also reignited concerns over migrant labor exploitation, as garden owners look to cut costs.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
Mrinal Saikia has urged the Union Commerce Ministry and Tea Board of India to:
- Review import policies related to tea
- Set a minimum import price to protect local growers
- Label origin on all retail tea packages to distinguish Assam tea
He also warned that Assam’s tea economy, worth over ₹18,000 crore annually, could lose its edge in the global market if the issue is not addressed urgently.
The Cultural Value of Assam Tea
Assam tea is not just a product—it’s a symbol of Assamese identity and heritage. Globally known for its rich taste and malty flavor, Assam tea has GI (Geographical Indication) status, which legally recognizes its unique regional origin.
Events like the Assam Tea Festival, held annually in Jorhat, celebrate this heritage. But industry insiders fear that unchecked foreign competition may dampen both tourism and export potential.
What’s at Stake?
The threats to Assam’s tea sector are multidimensional:
- Loss of market share to imported teas
- Declining quality perception due to blending
- Wage cuts and job losses for plantation workers
- Reduced export demand and international branding confusion
Unless strategic trade protections and domestic promotion are implemented, Assam risks losing its global tea leadership status.
How You Can Support Assam Tea
- Buy locally sourced Assam tea – Look for GI tags and certified packaging.
- Support small growers by purchasing directly through farmer-run cooperatives.
- Raise awareness – Share stories about the cultural and economic value of Assam tea.
- Engage with policymakers – Encourage trade rules that protect local industries.
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The growing threats to Assam’s tea sector are a warning sign for India’s domestic industries. When cheaper imports challenge not only profits but identity, the issue becomes more than economic—it becomes deeply personal for communities who have cultivated Assam tea for generations.
The time to act is now. Protecting Assam tea means protecting culture, economy, and people.