Tea producers’ body applauds Union Budget 2025-26 for growth-oriented policy initiatives

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 1, 2025

The Tea Association of India (TAI) has welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26, stating that while no direct financial benefits were announced for the tea industry, several policy measures could positively impact the sector.

In a statement issued on Saturday, TAI secretary general P. K. Bhattacharjee highlighted key budget proposals that could contribute to the industry’s development. He pointed out that Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana could support agricultural district programs, benefiting tea plantations.

Bhattacharjee also hailed the government’s announcement of a 12.7 lakh metric tonne capacity urea plant in Namrup, Assam, which is expected to ease the urea supply for the tea industry, ensuring steady agricultural inputs.

TAI expressed optimism about the budget’s focus on Labour-Intensive Sectors, emphasizing that the tea industry, being the second-largest employer in the country, should be included in the government’s consultation for policy and facilitation measures to promote job creation and entrepreneurship.

The association also praised the government’s push for Clean Tech Manufacturing, stating that incentives for solar panel installations in tea estates would support sustainability and cost-efficiency in tea production.

TAI welcomed the budget’s Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 initiatives, along with the Jal Jeevan Mission, which will benefit tea estate workers by improving nutrition, sanitation, and clean drinking water access. The proposal for 100% coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission, already underway in tea industry regions, was hailed as a transformative step.

The tea producers’ body also praised the proposed Bharat TradeNet and measures for integration with global supply chains, which they believe will enhance the export potential of Indian tea.

Additionally, TAI lauded the focus on Ease of Doing Business, particularly the establishment of a High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms to review industry regulations, certifications, and permissions. Bhattacharjee emphasized that a modern, flexible, and trust-based regulatory framework would greatly benefit the tea sector, and TAI looks forward to the committee’s recommendations, expected within a year.

While direct fiscal support for the tea industry was absent, TAI remains optimistic that the budget’s focus on employment, sustainability, regulatory ease, and export promotion will create long-term growth opportunities for the sector.