Assam Chief Secretary on August 12 chaired a Governing Body meeting of the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) to assess its functioning and outline measures to strengthen its contribution to the state’s tea economy.
The meeting examined steps to make GTAC a more competitive auction platform by improving operational efficiency, encouraging greater participation from tea producers and buyers, and strengthening mechanisms for both public and private tea sales.
Measures to boost tea sales through GTAC and widen Assam’s tea export ecosystem were also discussed. Stakeholders reviewed the utilisation of the Inland Container Depot at Amingaon, along with issues concerning exports and subsidies.
The meeting further assessed plans to develop GTAC as a tea tourism hub. Progress on five proposed projects, including a tea museum and upgraded visitor facilities, was reviewed, while preparations for unveiling a bust of Maniram Dewan were also discussed.
The authorities also stressed the need to strengthen tea-testing facilities at GTAC and ensure that appropriate quality and testing standards are maintained for tea traded through the auction centre.
The implementation of new warehousing Standard Operating Procedures and byelaws was reviewed, along with proposals to modernise the auction hall and upgrade other associated infrastructure.
The Chief Secretary directed all stakeholders to carry out the identified measures in a coordinated and time-bound manner, with the broader aim of developing GTAC into a modern, stronger and globally competitive platform for Assam tea.
