Kolkata, 05 March (H.S.): Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on Thursday announced that the central government will soon introduce a “comprehensive package” for tea gardens in North Bengal. He made the remarks after visiting tea estates in Jalpaiguri district earlier in the day.

Prasada said, “We have come to North Bengal to understand the current challenges faced by the tea industry. Discussions are underway on how to resolve these issues and address concerns of the workers. The Tea Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. We are also exploring ways to expand tea exports abroad. There is strong domestic demand for tea, and improving quality can further boost exports. The tea industry remains our top priority.”

The Minister highlighted that changing weather patterns, waterlogging in new plantations, and labour-related issues are posing challenges to the sector. “We are preparing a comprehensive package for the tea industry. Cooperation from the state government would make the package more effective, and we are hopeful of such support,” he added.

North Bengal’s tea industry is the region’s largest and most significant economic sector. However, several factors, including weather-related disruptions, have led to a decline in production in some of the older and major tea estates. Tea garden owners have been urging the central government to intervene and help revive the industry.

During his visit, Prasada inspected the Denguajhar tea garden along with Tea Board officials. He toured the tea processing unit and was briefed on the varieties of tea produced and the quality standards maintained at the estate.

On his political background, Prasada began his career in 2001 as General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 2004 from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and was inducted as Minister of State for Steel in 2008. Prior to the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Congress appointed him as the party’s state in-charge. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on June 9, 2021, and won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh