Guwahati: The Assam tea sector has voiced its strong approval of the state budget’s innovative plans, particularly the introduction of an AI-driven, blockchain-based tea auctioning system.
The North East Tea Association (NETA) expressed enthusiasm for the groundbreaking initiative, which aims to revolutionize the tea trade by enhancing transparency and efficiency through secure transactions and fair pricing. NETA advisor Bidyananda Barkakoty hailed the system as an “excellent initiative,” emphasizing its potential to solidify Assam’s position as a global leader in the tea industry.
The proposed digital platform will leverage blockchain technology to create a decentralized, tamper-proof auctioning system, ensuring fair bidding and eliminating fraud. Barkakoty suggested a phased approach, recommending the initial implementation of Artificial Intelligence followed by blockchain integration to avoid trade disruptions. He underscored the importance of this technological advancement in providing immutable records of transactions, thereby fostering trust and reliability in the tea auction process.
Alongside the digital auction system, NETA also welcomed the extension of the green leaf cess exemption for another two years. This extension, initially granted in the 2022 budget for three years, was due to expire at the end of 2024. The renewed exemption, under the ‘Assam Taxation (on specified lands) Act’, will continue to alleviate the financial burden on tea producers, who previously faced taxes based on the size of their land holdings.
Furthermore, the budget outlined a comprehensive set of measures aimed at improving the welfare of tea garden workers. Provisions include 800 mobile toilet units for tea gardens, Rs 109 crore allocated for mobile creches and toilet facilities, and the launch of the ‘Healthy Garden Population Comprehensive Health Screening’ initiative in 20 tea gardens. The ‘Durgam to Sugam’ initiative will provide financial incentives to doctors serving in remote areas, and a one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 has been announced for tea garden workers.
The budget also highlighted the promotion of tea tourism by creating a digital tourism circuit, banking upon homestays and tea tourism facilities in Assam. Barkakoty further urged the state government to allocate resources for the generic promotion of Assam Tea, suggesting the appointment of a brand ambassador to increase per capita consumption within the country. He concluded that the budget’s multifaceted proposals would significantly benefit the tea industry and its workers.
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