TAI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT BINNAGURI TODAY

Webdesk, TNI Binnaguri, 30th January, 2016: The North Bengal branch of Tea Association of India (TAI) organized their 45th AGM today at Binnaguri Central Dooars Club. The main personnel present in the meeting was the president of TAI (North Bengal) Mr. Manas Bhattacharya, General Secretary Mr. Prabir Kr Bhattacharya, The Consulate General of India in Bhutan Mr. Piyush Gupta, The MLA of Alipurduar Mr. Debaprasad Roy and the owners of tea companies from Hills, Terai and Dooars. According to Mr. Manas Bhattacharya that currently the price of per kg of tea has decreased every year. However, the tea production has gone up in double quantities from the year 1992. He also clarified that re-plantation is highly required by replacing the old non-productive bushes. Moreover, the Tea industry is an agricultural industry but the rates of electricity are line with the heavy industries which is a huge burden on the Tea companies. Most of the dignitaries in the meeting expressed almost similar viewpoints. The Alipurduar MLA Mr. Debaprasad Roy said that since 7 tea gardens have been acquired by the Central Government, it may usher in a new hope for this region. He again emphasized that the other tea gardens which are crumbling should see the similar ray of hope from the Central Government. Tea Tourism was also discussed in the meeting.