The amendment to the Indian Tea Act proposed by the Indian Tea Board (ITB) has been welcomed by small-scale tea growers as they expect the move, if implemented, will benefit the group of planters that contributes around 35% of the country’s tea production.
The tea growers are mainly happy about the move to officially define the small grower as the existing Tea Act is silent on this. According to ITB’s proposal to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries, a small tea grower is a person who owns less than 25 acres of estate in his name.
Besides, another proposal in the group’s favour is the change suggested on the method that controls extension of plantation. The proposed amendment also includes an important provision to ensure reasonable pricing of green leaf for the small growers.