In a concerted effort to establish a global presence for Tripura’s tea, the state government is actively pursuing avenues to utilize the advanced facilities of the Sreemangal Tea Auction Center in Bangladesh’s Sylhet district, as announced by Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma on Thursday.
Responding to MLA Birajit Sinha’s inquiry during the Winter Assembly session, Minister Santana Chakma disclosed that the government of Tripura has been coordinating with both the central government and the government of Bangladesh to facilitate the auction and export of Tripura tea on the international stage via Bangladesh.
To optimize cost-efficiency, the Industries and Commerce Department, in collaboration with the State Transport Department, is actively working on exporting Tripura tea leaves to the Kolkata Tea Auction Centre through the Bangladesh route.
Minister Chakma highlighted the government’s proactive approach, mentioning the submission of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to Rs. 11.20 crore to the North-East Council (NEC). The funds are intended for the modernization of the CTPF of Tripura Tea Development Corporation, Durgabari, and BTPF, along with the tea factory of Simna Brahmakunda. The NEC has already approved the modernization of BTPF Brahmakunda Simna tea factory.
In addition, Chakma informed the assembly about plans to establish a mini tea factory at Machmara tea garden in the Unakoti district. Jointly supported by the Tripura Tribal Welfare Department and Tripura Tea Development Corporation, this initiative aims to enhance employment opportunities for small tea farmers and local residents in the surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the state tourism department is actively leveraging the allure of tea gardens across Tripura. Initiatives include transforming lodges in Kamalasagar, Brahmakunda, and Durgabari tea gardens to attract tourists. The department has submitted a DPR to the NEC for the construction of a modern picnic spot with log huts, a kids’ playground, car parking facilities, and boating amenities at Kamalasagar tea garden under Tea-Tourism, bolstering the tourism sector and showcasing the state’s rich tea heritage.
