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Assam Small Tea Growers Protest Price Collapse, Demand Enforced Minimums

Growers accuse factories of flouting the state's benchmark price, forcing sales below costs.

Overview

  • Hundreds under the AASTGA rallied in Dibrugarh and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the district administration.
  • Farmers report offers as low as Rs 12–15 per kg after a peak near Rs 52, far below estimated production costs of Rs 25–27.
  • Protesters say the recommended Rs 26 per kg benchmark in Dibrugarh is being ignored and they seek penalties for violators and transparent pricing.
  • AASTGA leaders warned of further action, including sealing Tea Board offices, as no official response was reported in the coverage.
  • Small growers oversee nearly half of Assam’s tea output, and many say current prices leave them unable to pay wages or buy fertiliser and pesticides.