JORHAT, May 15 � Giving a fillip to the tea industry of the State, the Tea Research Association (TRA) here on Tuesday started the sales of the two kinds of cuttings that contain the recently developed clones (technically called TTRI-1 and TTRI-2), which are enriched with the qualities for production of orthodox tea and draught-tolerant ability respectively.
According to the TRA scientists, both of these latest varieties of clones will comparatively produce better quality of tea in the State gardens as they are different from the 31 types of tea-clones, earlier developed by it.
As TTRI-1 variety of clone was proved to be drought-tolerant during scientific experimentations, the scientists were categoric in asserting that it would definitely contribute in production of quality green-leaves for the economic benefit of the industry even during the adverse weather conditions while the TTRI-2 variety can be prescribed for production of the orthodox variety of Assam-tea, which has a high demand in the international market.
�After releasing these two clones, the TRA is taking the initiative to supply cuttings in a limited number to all its member gardens. This initiative will help the members of TRA to establish these new clones and get full advantage in terms of crop and quality in the near future,�said Dr SK Pathak, deputy director (advisory service Assam) of TRA.
He said that 30 cuttings of each of the two clone-contents will be supplied to 100 member-gardens in its initial stage and the gardens are expected to produce the same kind of cuttings for extensive plantation across the State in further stages.
On Tuesday, each of the cuttings were sold at Rs15. Asked about the change of its price in the future, officials concerned said price will remain same for five years and it get decreased to 50 paisa after the period as per prescribed guidelines.
