The impact of the Middle East war is being seen from Tehran to Assam. The deepening crisis on the tea export system has become a challenge. While talking to the media, Tea Association of India (Assam branch) Secretary Dipanjal Deka gave a serious warning about the impact of international conflicts on the tea trade. He had come to attend the 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Jorhat.
Addressing the media, Deka said that the current global crisis, which he described as a war-like situation, is now severely affecting trade routes and logistics. He said, ‘The impact of the war has been felt in our factories for many days.’
Threat to Dubai hub and export chain
Deka underlined the important role of Dubai for Assam tea. He told that a large quantity of tea from Assam reaches international markets like Singapore and Iran through Dubai.
He said, ‘Iran alone imports about 11.5 million kilograms of tea, while about 50 million kilograms of tea goes through Dubai. From there it is re-exported to other countries. If this chain is disrupted, our exports will be seriously affected.
He also warned that prolonged disruption in these trade routes could cause a major blow to the tea industry of Assam.
Crisis hits export growth
Deka said that last year a significant improvement was seen in tea exports. He said that after a long period of stability, exports had reached about 280 million kg, which is much higher than the normal 220–240 million kg. But current geopolitical tensions could reverse this progress.
He told that international shipping insurance has become a big problem. Deka said that during such conflicts, insurance becomes difficult to obtain, making it almost impossible to send tea to affected areas. Due to this, the industry has now accumulated an additional stock of more than 5 crore kilograms of tea, which is not able to reach its market.
Extensive discussion at industry level
This 37th AGM, organized after a gap of almost two years, was attended by various stakeholders related to the tea industry, buyers, brokers, warehouse operators and representatives of research institutes. Members of many organizations including Assam Tea Planters Association, Tea Board of India participated in it. Researchers and academic experts also shared their views on industry challenges and possible solutions. Deka said that the meeting became a platform to discuss all common issues ranging from export crisis to long-term sustainability and research initiatives.
Focus on social and labor issues also
Social aspects related to the tea industry were also discussed in the meeting. Special emphasis was laid on cooperation with self-help groups and non-governmental organizations to improve the condition of women workers working in tea gardens. Deka said that we are actively engaging with organizations working at the grassroots level, especially on issues that affect women workers.
the way forward uncertain
Amid disruptions in export channels and global uncertainties, the industry has expressed concern about the coming months. Assam’s tea industry, which plays an important role in India’s agricultural exports, is now grappling with logistics, economic and geopolitical challenges. Deka finally said that if this situation continues, our exports will be deeply affected, which is worrying for the entire industry. To deal with this, coordination between all stakeholders and the government is necessary.
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