GUWAHATI, Oct 26 - The Asom Suraksha Oikya Mancha (ASOM) while expressing concern at the recent crash in the price of green tea leaves which has left the small tea growers frustrated has accused a section of buyers of resorting to monopoly tactics.
It needs to be mentio ned here that off late the prices of green tea leaves came crashing down which compelled even some small tea growers to throw the leaves on the street. The small tea growers are getting Rs 2 to 8 per kg for the green tea leaves and this development has created disappointment and uncertainty amongst the small tea growers.
"It is a matter of serious concern that the small tea growers are not getting their due price. If the situation remains like this, the rural economy will be threatened," said the Mancha pointing out that small tea growers had ushered a revolution in rural Assam generating employment and improving the living standards of many families.
"In a prevailing market situation of rising demand and prices of manufactured tea, the loss of growers on account of fall in prices of green tea leaves is the profit of the manufacturers. We are deeply alarmed to learn the actions of a section of buyers and manufacturers exercising monopoly power, resorting to predatory pricing compelling the growers to go for distress sale," said the Mancha adding that the small tea growers were forced to go for distress sale because tea leaves was a perishable commodity and the growers had no other avenues for sale.
The Mancha further said that the tyranny of factory owners upon small tea growers was not a new fact. The Mancha also expressed its surprise over the silence of prominent chambers of commerce and industry in this regard. Insisting immediate government intervention, the Mancha said that the government needs to check the violation of rules by greedy buyers and manufacturers as well as ensure support price to the growers.
"Alternatively the government may think of creating a price stabilizing fund for the small tea growers to take care of market vicissitudes," suggested the Mancha.
