Amid growing concerns over pesticide contamination in Assam’s tea industry, the Assam Tea Manufacturers Association (ATMA) has made the unprecedented decision to shut down all operations indefinitely, affecting hundreds of tea factories across the state starting June 1.
ATMA President, Ramesh Sharma, emphasized the urgent need to address the rampant use of banned pesticides by small tea growers, which has led to elevated pesticide levels in raw tea leaves. This contamination has rendered the tea unsellable, resulting in substantial financial losses for the association and posing a severe threat to the state’s renowned tea industry.
Despite repeated appeals to government authorities, including the state and central governments and the Tea Board of India, for a viable solution, no concrete measures have been implemented. Faced with no alternative recourse, ATMA has taken this drastic step to safeguard the integrity and reputation of Assam’s tea industry.
The shutdown is expected to have far-reaching consequences, disrupting the entire tea production supply chain and impacting thousands of workers dependent on the industry for their livelihoods.
Responding to concerns raised by stakeholders about potential manipulation of raw leaf prices, ATMA assured that tea prices are determined by the Tea Board of India based on established guidelines and formulas.
The decision to cease operations reflects the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action to address pesticide contamination in Assam’s tea production.