Tripura Congress accuses Modi government’s New India policies of harming the tea industry, warning against unscientific plantation experiments, inactive Tea Development Board, land law violations, and growing distress among tea workers and producers across the state.
The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) has issued a strong warning over what it describes as a rapidly worsening crisis in the state’s tea industry, blaming the Union government’s “New India” policies for pushing farmers, plantation workers, and rural youth into deep economic insecurity.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday at the State Congress headquarters in Agartala, TPCC spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty launched a sharp critique of the Modi government’s agricultural and industrial strategies. He alleged that behind high-profile publicity campaigns and celebratory events, the ground reality of Tripura’s tea sector reflects neglect, policy confusion, and growing distress.
According to Chakraborty, the tea industry—one of Tripura’s most traditional and employment-intensive sectors—has been steadily weakened over the past several years. He claimed that while the government promotes events such as “Run for Tea” to showcase branding and tourism, the core problems of tea estates remain unaddressed.
“The suffering of tea garden workers and small producers cannot be hidden behind banners and promotional slogans,” Chakraborty said. “Long-established estates are struggling with declining productivity, uncertain policies, and a lack of institutional support.”
A major point of contention raised by the Congress leader was the Agriculture Minister’s proposal to introduce apple and mango plantations within tea estates. Chakraborty warned that such experiments could destabilize an industry that relies heavily on specific ecological conditions developed over decades.
He explained that tea gardens traditionally depend on shade trees such as eucalyptus, banana, and koroi, which are known to suit the soil composition and climatic conditions of Tripura. Any large-scale deviation from this system, he argued, should be preceded by rigorous scientific studies.
“Before introducing mango or apple trees inside tea estates, has the government conducted any soil, water, or climate impact assessment?” Chakraborty asked. “Workers and producers are being left in uncertainty about whether these experiments will damage tea yields and long-term sustainability.”
The Congress spokesperson further cited expert opinions consulted by the party, which caution against the unchecked plantation of palm species within tea estates. According to these experts, palm trees absorb surface water at a rapid rate, leading to reduced soil moisture and declining fertility—factors that could severely affect tea production.
Chakraborty also alleged that since 2018, the Tea Development Board has remained largely inactive in fulfilling its core mandate of promoting industry growth and ensuring worker welfare. Instead, he claimed, the board has prioritized corporate interests over the needs of small growers and plantation laborers.
“The board was established to support the tea industry, not to serve a select few,” he said, alleging that certain officials and members of the ruling alliance have personally benefited from policy decisions and inaction.
He argued that the absence of meaningful intervention has left tea workers vulnerable to low wages, job insecurity, and deteriorating living conditions, while estate owners struggle with rising costs and unstable policy signals.
Referring to the Land Reform Act of 1960, Chakraborty reminded that only tea factories and worker housing are legally permitted within tea estates. However, he claimed that reports have emerged of plantations of palm, coconut, areca nut, and even cannabis inside estate areas.
“These developments raise serious questions,” he said, alleging government–mafia collusion behind the unauthorized use of tea land. He stressed that such practices not only violate existing laws but also threaten the very identity of Tripura’s tea sector.
Drawing from historical precedent, Chakraborty recalled earlier attempts to replace tea plantations with rubber. Those efforts, he noted, faced widespread opposition and were eventually banned through legislation after protests from workers, growers, and civil society groups.
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The Tripura Congress demanded an immediate review of agricultural policies affecting tea estates and called for transparency, scientific evaluation, and strict enforcement of land laws. The party urged the state and central governments to prioritize worker welfare, revive the Tea Development Board’s role, and protect traditional tea cultivation from what it termed “reckless experimentation.”
Chakraborty concluded by warning that unless corrective measures are taken, the tea industry—one of Tripura’s cultural and economic pillars—could face irreversible damage.
“The future of thousands of families depends on tea,” he said. “If the government continues down this path, the promise of ‘New India’ will remain hollow for those whose livelihoods are rooted in the soil of Tripura.”
