JORHAT, Feb 28 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged the small tea growers (STGs) of the State to focus on producing good quality tea and take the vocation more seriously to compete in the market.
Sonowal was speaking yesterday at the function organised by the Directorate of Tea of the Industries and Commerce Department at Assam Agricultural University here and inaugurated a training programme for the STGs.
The Chief Minister also gave away incentives to the STGs under the Plantation Scheme, 2018 in the same function.
Earlier in the day, he laid the foundation stone of the 100 MW solar power project of the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited at Amguri in Sivasagar district.
Urging the STGs to bring back the goodwill and the glory of the Assam tea, Sonowal said good tea is known for its flavour and the aroma, and the STGs should give their best to maintain the same.
Calling for aggressive professionalism, the Chief Minister said the STGs should always remember that the tea industry has a rich heritage attached to it.
�You all (STGs) have brought in a revolution by joining an industry that started about two centuries back and flourished well and made Assam famous for the beverage. Now, work hard to carry on the legacy by never compromising on quality,� said Sonowal, adding, �being a successful tea planter is a matter of pride.�
Asking them not to expect too much from the government, Sonowal said the STGs should try to become independent so that they could be an inspiration for upcoming entrepreneurs.
He, however, added that the government will always be extending necessary support and guidance as and when required by taking up schemes, providing aid and giving relief like the recent decision of withdrawing 25 paise cess per kg on green tea leaves sold by the STGs.
The Chief Minister pointed out that all previous governments had not paid any heed to the STGs and did not extend any kind of support. He said a real journey of peace and development is under way in the State with 33 districts spread over the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys and the hills being accorded equal attention by Dispur.
Citing strong legal action taken by his government against all players in the APSC scam, the Chief Minister said appointment in government jobs is done purely on merit basis by maintaining transparency in the recruitment process.
He said that an era of investment has started in the State with investors getting attracted towards Assam due to vast improvement in the law-and-order situation.
Earlier, State Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Jorhat MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Minister of State for Power (independent charge) Topon Gogoi, in their speeches, urged small tea growers to maintain quality. Additional Chief Secretary (Industries and Commerce) Ravi Capoor, several BJP legislators from upper Assam and Chairman of Tea Board and TRA, PK Bezboruah also attended the function.
