Question : TEA GROWERS IN ASSAM

(a) the number of small tea growers in the country including Assam;

(b) the total number of small tea growers registered under Tea Board in Assam;

(c) the total number of small tea growers having possession certificates issued by Assam Government;

(d) whether a number of tea growers in the hilly States have refused to grow tea in the country due to severe losses in the industry; and

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the steps being taken by the Government to help these tea growers?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a):The estimated number of small tea growers (having tea area up to 10.12 hectares) in the country including Assam is 1,57,504.

(b): 3882 growers are registered with Tea Board in Assam.

(c): 302 tea growers of Assam registered with the Tea Board have possession certificates.

(d) and (e): No such information has been received.