GUWAHATI: On Wednesday (June 05), the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) in Assam achieved a historic milestone when two lines of Hookhomal CTC teas fetched a record-breaking price of Rs 723.

The lots were sold by J Thomas & Co and purchased by M/s Arihant Tea Co and Shree Jagdamba Tea Syndicate.

“The faith in the auction system seems well-placed, given these remarkable prices,” said Dinesh Bihani, secretary of the Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers Association (GTABA).

He said that even teas from small tea growers are commanding high prices, indicating a positive trend in the market.

Another significant record was set when 100% quality tea grown by small tea growers sold at Rs 436 per kilogram.

This is the highest price achieved for tea from a bought-leaf tea garden.

These teas, produced by Rajajuli Bought Leaf Tea Factory under the name Dharmajuli Teas, were sold by Paramount Tea Marketing Pvt Ltd and bought by M/s Baruah Innovation of Guwahati for their packets.

“This reflects positively on the quality of tea being produced,” Bihani said.

“This development not only signifies the recognition of quality teas but also bodes well for small growers who can now anticipate better prices for their green leaves.”

Emphasizing on the benefits of the transparent auction system, Bihani stated, “The transparent nature of the auction system ensures that such high prices are achievable, which might not be the case in private sales.”

He added, “Indeed, this could lead to a positive cycle where better prices at auction encourage small growers to focus on producing quality green leaves, further enhancing the overall quality and reputation of teas from the region.”

Moreover, a crucial meeting between the All Assam Small Tea Growers Association (AASTGA) and the Assam Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers Association (ABLTMA) took place at the Gymkhana Club in Dibrugarh.

The meeting aimed to resolve issues after ABLTMA announced the shutdown of its factories from June 01, citing the impossibility of producing FSSAI-compliant teas from untested green leaves provided by small growers.