Guwahati, 03 July (HS): Assam has become the first state in India to begin commercial production of Matcha tea, with the initiative taking off at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the achievement on Friday, describing it as a major milestone for the state's tea industry.

Highlighting the development on X, the Chief Minister said the move expands Assam's traditional tea portfolio and is expected to strengthen the Assam Tea brand in global markets, where Matcha has witnessed growing demand in recent years.

Sarma attributed the success to a decade-long Indo-Japan collaboration that introduced Japanese expertise, technology and specialised machinery for Matcha tea production in Assam. He said the partnership has paved the way for innovation and value addition in the state's tea sector.

The commercial venture has also received a positive market response, with the first batch of Assam-produced Matcha tea fetching ₹13,000 at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre. The Chief Minister termed the project a significant outcome of India-Japan cooperation and expressed confidence that it would open new opportunities for tea growers while enhancing Assam's reputation in the international tea market.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash