Panchagarh hosts tea growers’ conference to boost quality, production

A district-wide conference aimed at improving tea cultivation and strengthening the local tea industry was held on Saturday at Panchagarh District Government Auditorium. 

Organised by Panchagarh District Tea Garden Owners’ Association, the event brought together growers, factory owners, researchers and government officials to discuss quality improvement and market prospects.

Deputy Commissioner Md Sabed Ali attended as chief guest, while the session was chaired by the association’s president, Didarul Alam. 

Technical insights were shared by engineer Manik Khan, Tea Board scientific officer Amir Hossain and Supreme Tea Factory manager Abu Zayed.

Speakers emphasized that improved quality of green leaves is essential for achieving better prices in the tea auction market. 

They urged garden owners to ensure the supply of high-grade leaves to factories.

During the programme, several individuals and organisations were presented with honorary crests for their contributions to tea cultivation, research, factory operations, sports development and environmental conservation. 

Among the awardees were Panchagarh Regional Tea Board, Supreme and Royal Tea Factories, National Environment Award winner Mahmudul Islam Mamun and youth sports organisers from local football academies.

Panchagarh currently has 8,000 tea growers cultivating 12,000 acres, with production rising from 14.5 million kg of green leaves last year to 16.3 million kg so far this year. 

The district now hosts 30 active tea factories. Despite a government-set price, green tea leaves are presently being sold at Tk 32–36 per kg.

The event, conducted by Advocate Ahsan Habib, was followed by a technical workshop on tea cultivation methods, quality enhancement and a cultural performance.

SI/SH