The North East Tea Association (NETA) has welcomed the Assam government’s budget proposal to introduce an AI-driven, blockchain-based tea auction system, calling it a game-changing step for the tea trade in the state.
NETA also appreciated the decision to extend the green leaf cess exemption for another two years, which will benefit tea growers.
AI-powered auctions for transparency
NETA advisor Bidyananda Barkakoty praised the proposal, stating that the new system will improve transparency, security, and efficiency in tea auctions. According to the budget plan, India’s first AI-driven, blockchain-based tea auction platform will ensure:
- Fair pricing for tea producers
- Tamper-proof transactions
- Elimination of fraud in the auction process
Barkakoty suggested a step-by-step approach, starting with AI and later introducing blockchain, to prevent disruptions in tea trade.
Green Leaf Cess Exemption Extended
The budget also extended the green leaf cess exemption, originally introduced in 2022 for three years and set to expire on December 31, 2024. Now, the exemption will continue for another two years under the Assam Taxation (on Specified Lands) Act, providing relief to tea estates.
Before the exemption, the green leaf cess was:
- 40 paisa per kg for estates over 40 hectares
- 25 paisa per kg for estates up to 40 hectares
Support for tea garden workers
The budget includes several welfare initiatives to improve living conditions for tea garden workers:
- 800 mobile toilets for tea gardens
- ₹109 crore allocation for the Labour Welfare Department to set up mobile creches and toilets in plantations
- ‘Healthy Garden Population’ health screening in 20 tea gardens
- ‘Durgam to Sugam’ scheme offering financial incentives to doctors working in remote areas
- ₹5,000 one-time financial assistance for casual and permanent tea garden workers
Boosting Assam Tea & Tourism
Barkakoty urged the government to promote Assam Tea on a larger scale to increase tea consumption across India. He suggested appointing a brand ambassador to enhance marketing efforts.
The government also plans to boost tea tourism, proposing a digital tourism circuit focused on homestays and tea tourism facilities to attract visitors and increase revenue. “All these initiatives will greatly support the tea industry and its workers,” Barkakoty concluded.
Also Read: Assam: Finance Minister Neog presents ₹2.63 lakh cr Budget
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