25/04/2026
Small tea gardens, under 300 hectares, are everywhere in Assam, Tripura, Dooars, and Darjeeling. They suffer higher losses and lower profits compared to big gardens. Every year bushes die — from drought, water logging, or natural causes.
Even in good years, small gardens struggle to infill and extension works because other expenses take priority.
If a buyer wants to purchase the entire stock directly to keep his packaging factory running, the garden cannot sell — because of the Tea Board’s mandate.
Do other industries face such restrictions? Doubtful!