The most significant provision is the introduction of a Rs 3 per kg incentive for exported Single Origin Assam Quality CTC Tea, aimed at offsetting Assam’s higher inland transport, container repositioning and terminal handling costs as a landlocked state. Significantly, the notification recognizes CTC tea sold through the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre as “Quality CTC Tea” for this incentive, giving GTAC-linked teas a strong position under the scheme.
The revised scheme also increases the Orthodox and Speciality Tea production subsidy from Rs10 to Rs 15 per kg, raises the maximum annual claim to Rs 1 crore per unit or garden, officially includes Matcha Tea, enhances working capital interest subvention from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, and extends the scheme till 31 March 2031.
Dinesh Bihani Secretary Guwahati Tea Auction buyers Association stated, “For Guwahati, one of the world’s largest CTC tea auction centres, the recognition of GTAC auction sales under the new export incentive is expected to encourage greater participation in the organized auction channel, support Assam’s export competitiveness and further strengthen GTAC’s standing in domestic and international markets”.
He added, “The tea trade has expressed its gratitude to the Government of Assam for introducing this progressive policy framework and appreciated the efforts of the Chairman of GTAC, whose leadership has contributed to taking the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre to new heights through sustained initiatives for the growth and recognition of the auction platform”.