Business
Assam tea exports rise by 40 million kg, says Chief Minister
Orthodox tea sales at the Guwahati auction more than doubled, and the state raised its subsidy for orthodox tea.
By Bhaskar Kalita ยท 11 February 2026
Assam's tea exports have gone up by 40 million kg, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters on 11 February 2026. He said this was the first strong rise in exports in 25 years. Overall production in the state has risen by 50 million kg.
Orthodox tea now makes up nearly half of Assam's output and earns premium prices in global markets. Sales of orthodox tea at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre rose from 4.19 million kg to 9.15 million kg, more than doubling. Total tea sales went up by 19 million kg.
Higher subsidy
To push exports further next year, the state has raised its subsidy for orthodox tea from Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg. The subsidy is linked to India's free trade agreements with the UK and the EU, and to the India-US tariff agreement.
During the same period, tea production in South India fell by 10 million kg. The tea industry is one of the biggest employers in Assam and a major source of income in rural areas, so changes in exports and prices affect a large number of households in the state.
Source: India Today NE
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