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Assam On the Brink Of Drought-Like Situation Due To Rain Deficit
Assam On the Brink Of Drought-Like Situation Due To Rain Deficit

NDTV

time22-07-2025

  • Politics
  • NDTV

Assam On the Brink Of Drought-Like Situation Due To Rain Deficit

Guwahati: Twenty seven districts of Assam are facing drought like situation due to rainfall deficit in this year. The worst hit areas are Kamrup Metro, Kamrup, Dhubri, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon and Darrang; have rainfall deficit between 60 to 80 percent. Farmers are in complete distress as they cannot plant their paddy seedlings due to the severe lack of water in the fields. "We are in the middle of the paddy sowing season, and our farmers are helpless. The irrigation systems that should be supporting them are defunct, and the government seems indifferent to their plight," AASU Dibrugarh town unit president Tanuj Haloi said. According to government sources Assam Agriculture Department's preliminary assessment has revealed that 14 districts in Assam fall under the "high deficit rainfall" category, while 13 others are experiencing "deficit" conditions, prompting the State Government to initiate urgent measures to tackle the drought-like situation prevailing across the State' sources added. In a monthly review meeting chaired by Dr Ravi Kota, the Chief Secretary, on Saturday, attended by District Commissioners (DCs) and senior secretaries, the government directed the District Commissioners to identify and demarcate impacted areas. Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora is himself monitoring the worst hit areas. Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia urged Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya to extend the declaration to 16 more districts, warning of a deepening agrarian crisis across the state. Meanwhile, the cabinet approved the issuance of concurrence for financial sanction of Rs 342 crore for the implementation of 'Mukhya Mantri Eti Koli Duti Paat' (Assam Tea Garden Workers' Financial Assistance Scheme-2025) flagship scheme.

Drought-like situation in 14 dists after large rain deficit
Drought-like situation in 14 dists after large rain deficit

Time of India

time20-07-2025

  • Climate
  • Time of India

Drought-like situation in 14 dists after large rain deficit

1 2 Guwahati: A preliminary impact assessment of the prevailing drought-like conditions by state govt revealed that 14 districts are experiencing a large deficit in rainfall, while 13 districts fall under the deficit category. State chief secretary (CS) Ravi Kota, while holding a monthly review meeting with all the district commissioners (DCs), instructed them to identify and demarcate impacted areas and initiate the process of drought declaration accordingly. "These declarations must be based on LGD (local govt directory) code-linked revenue villages to ensure accuracy and consistency," he said. The CS directed the agriculture department to assist this process by submitting gram panchayat-wise data to each district for necessary action. To provide immediate relief, the irrigation department, working in coordination with the panchayat & rural development (P&RD) department and agriculture department, was instructed to mobilise pumps for deployment in affected areas. "A district-wise mapping of all available pumps has already been completed. Additionally, dysfunctional tube wells will be revived where required to address irrigation demands," he added. For effective outreach to farmers, the P&RD was tasked with disseminating IMD forecasts and sowing advisories through circle officers, block development officers, and panchayat-level officials. "This will enable farmers to make informed decisions during this critical period. The feasibility of using Amrit Sarovars as an alternative irrigation source was also discussed and may be explored where viable," the CS said. In terms of relief and compensation, admissible assistance under relevant SDRF guidelines was also reviewed by the CS during the meeting on Saturday evening. He instructed the DCs to conduct proper estimations of crop loss within their respective jurisdictions. He added that the office of the relief commissioner and secretaries from the chief minister's office will provide necessary support and guidance to facilitate prompt and appropriate action at the district level. According to the IMD report, Bajali, Baksa, Bapeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Nalbari, South Salmara, and Tamulpur districts reported a large deficit in rainfall as of Sunday.

Assam's investment opportunities, tea trade, tourism potential showcased in New York
Assam's investment opportunities, tea trade, tourism potential showcased in New York

The Print

time06-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Print

Assam's investment opportunities, tea trade, tourism potential showcased in New York

'@IndiainNewYork hosted a Roundtable on Business & Investment Opportunities in Assam with @USISPForum,' it said. The Indian Consulate in the American city hosted the two events, it said in its official X handle on Thursday. Guwahati, Jul 4 (PTI) Investment opportunities in trade and tourism potential of Assam were presented to industry leaders in New York, with a special B2B Buyer-Seller meet on Assam Tea, officials said. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum is a non-governmental organisation working towards building a strategic partnership between India and the US. Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota and Consul General Binaya S Pradhan shared their insights with industry leaders in the meet, the X post said. 'The event highlighted Assam's immense potential in trade, tourism, and investment,' it added, thanking chef Vikas Khanna for attending the meet and sharing his remarks. Another B2B Buyer-Seller meet was also held at the Consulate, showcasing the rich legacy and global potential of Assam Tea, another post in the consulate general's account said. 'In a series of events for celebration of 200 years of Assam Tea, @IndiainNewYork organised a meeting for major producers and suppliers of Assam Tea with prominent Tea buyers of the US,' it said. Kota and the Consul (Trade) attended the event, and provided the details and specialty of Assam tea. Secretary of the Indian Tea Association Arijit Raha provided the historical perspective of India-US tea trade and introduced all the Indian tea companies. 'Tea tasting sessions were also organised where tea experts and tea sommeliers gave the tea experience to the attendees. The event fostered valuable connections between Indian producers and US buyers, strengthening trade ties,' the post on X added. PTI SSG NN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

200 years of Assam Tea: India Pavilion unveiled at Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York
200 years of Assam Tea: India Pavilion unveiled at Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York

India Gazette

time30-06-2025

  • Business
  • India Gazette

200 years of Assam Tea: India Pavilion unveiled at Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York

New York [US], June 30 (ANI): The India Pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 was inaugurated on Sunday at the Jacob K Javits Center in New York, by Ravi Kota, the Chief Secretary to the government of Assam, and Ambassador Binaya S Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, reads an official press release. The event marked a momentous occasion celebrating 200 years of Assam Tea - a global symbol of strength, flavour, and heritage that has shaped livelihoods, cultures, and economies since its discovery in 1823 along the banks of Brahmaputra River. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Assam Chief Secretary highlighted how the idea for the 200 years celebration of Assam Tea was brewed during a conversation between Ambassador Pradhan and the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, earlier this year. 'As we celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea, we do so not only with pride in our legacy but with a clear vision for the future,' Kota remarked. 'For Assam, this Pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, here at the Jacob K. Javits Center, serves as both a celebratory and strategic platform. And Assam Tea stands as a bridge between tradition and innovation. I say innovation because India is buzzing with youngsters brimming with energy and ideas, and so is Assam. Four start-ups that we wanted to bring to this event - Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea are only a flavour of tea startups brewing innovation in Assam. They are innovating new blends of exotic tea, and I am confident that these innovations will gain global visibility from this event,' he added. Kota also underscored the vital role of Assam's small tea growers, who contribute 40 per cent of the state's production, and highlighted the transformative impact of bought-leaf factories in the ecosystem. Reflecting on the journey of Assam Tea, the Chief Secretary traced its origins to the discovery of wild tea bushes by early explorers. Today, Assam is globally renowned for its bold, malty brews and deep amber liquor. As a mark of authenticity, Assam Tea anchors breakfast blends, afternoon cups, and premium specialty collections. Kota added that a key enabler of this thriving industry is the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, the largest in India by volume. Trading over 250 million kilograms annually, it provides buyers worldwide with access to a diverse array of Assam teas through a digital, transparent, and highly regulated platform. In 2024-25, more than 100 million kilograms of Assam tea were shipped to over 90 countries, generating nearly $285 million in exports. Major destinations include the United Kingdom, Russia, the UAE, Germany, Iraq, and China, underscoring Assam's position as a trusted supplier to both traditional and emerging tea markets. The Government of Assam is committed to deepening India-US relations through strategic initiatives involving AI, blockchain, and specialised summits. It also plans to host the 'Heritage to Wellness' Tea Showcase across the US and sign MoUs with American universities, retailers, and innovation platforms to enhance traceability and promote sustainable partnerships. Leading tea companies from Assam, including Unilever, Tata, Goodricke, and Luxmi, stand united in advancing this shared vision. Kota concluded by extending heartfelt gratitude to the Consulate General of India, the Tea Board of India, ITPO, industry leaders, startups, and US trade partners for their support in making this celebration extraordinary. (ANI)

India pavilion inaugurated in New York to celebrate 200 Years of Assam Tea
India pavilion inaugurated in New York to celebrate 200 Years of Assam Tea

The Print

time30-06-2025

  • Business
  • The Print

India pavilion inaugurated in New York to celebrate 200 Years of Assam Tea

'As we celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea, we do so not only with pride in our legacy but with a clear vision for the future,' he said during the inauguration on Sunday. Assam Tea is a global symbol of strength, flavour, and heritage that has shaped livelihoods, cultures, and economies since its discovery in 1823 along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, the chief secretary was quoted as saying in an official statement. Guwahati, Jun 30 (PTI) Assam's Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has inaugurated an India pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York to celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea. For Assam, the pavilion serves as both a celebratory and strategic platform as Assam Tea stands as a bridge between tradition and innovation, Kota said. He pointed out four startups — Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea – 'provide a flavour of tea startups brewing innovation in Assam and so we wanted to bring these brands here'. 'They are innovating new blends of exotic tea, and I am confident that these innovations will gain global visibility from this event,' he added. He also highlighted the vital role played by Assam's small tea growers, who contribute to 40 per cent of the state's production, and also pointed out the transformative impact of bought-leaf factories in the ecosystem. Kota said that a key enabler of this thriving industry is the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, the largest in India by volume. Trading over 250 million kg annually, it provides buyers worldwide with access to a diverse array of Assam teas through a digital, transparent, and highly regulated platform. In 2024-25, more than 100 million kg of Assam tea were shipped to over 90 countries, generating nearly USD 285 million in exports. Major destinations include the United Kingdom, Russia, the UAE, Germany, Iraq, and China, underscoring Assam's position as a trusted supplier to both traditional and emerging tea markets. 'The Assam government is committed to deepening India-US relations through strategic initiatives involving AI, blockchain, and specialised summits,' Kota said. 'We are also planning to host the 'Heritage to Wellness' Tea Showcase across the US and sign MoUs with American universities, retailers, and innovation platforms to enhance traceability and promote sustainable partnerships,' he added. Consul General of India in New York Binaya S Pradhan was also present on the occasion. PTI DG DG ACD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

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