Batic 2024

The world of tea will gather at Guwahati to celebrate the 200th yr of the Assam/Indian tea industry. Register at before all seats are taken

[Pabitra Margherita @PmargheritaBJP]

Last evening in Kolkata, Assam’s tea story met its next big chapter!

While addressing small tea growers, industry leaders and members of the tea fraternity at the 62nd AGM of the Tea Research Association, I spoke about the journey of Assam tea and the possibilities that lie ahead with the launch of ‘TocklAI’ - an AI-powered tool designed to open new possibilities for the Indian tea industry.

The appreciation expressed by members of the tea fraternity for Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji’s focus on innovation, technology and strengthening India’s tea industry reflects the confidence driving this sector forward.

The Assam Government, under HCM Dr. @HimantaBiswa’s leadership, is reinforcing this legacy through concrete support for small tea growers and efforts to create new opportunities for Assam’s tea industry.

200 years of Assam tea. 115 years of Tocklai’s Tea research legacy. And now, a new chapter powered by AI.

@PMOIndia @CMOfficeAssam

[TRA Tocklai @TRATocklai]

Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East & North East India, visited TRA and met our scientists & tea planters — on the eve of the #IndiaUKFTA (live 15 July 2026).

Science, quality & partnership for the future of #AssamTea.

[TRA Tocklai @TRATocklai]

TRA honoured to welcome Mr. C. Murugan, IAS, Dy Chairman Tea Board to TRA Tocklai on 10 June 2026. He visited all labs & interacted with our scientists, offering valuable suggestions.Chairman Mr. S Sikand, Mr. PK Bezboruah & Secretary Mr. Joydeep Phukan were present.

#AssamTea

[TRA Tocklai @TRATocklai]

A historic year for Indian tea ! TRA Tocklai congratulates Tea Board India & Department of Commerce for this achievement

TRA Tocklai is proud to support this growth through climate-resilient varieties & science-led innovation.

https://t.co/YrSKd2EmM8

#IndianTea #TeaExports

[TRA Tocklai @TRATocklai]

Happy Foundation Day to the @teaboardofindia

For over 73 years, your steadfast support has nurtured the Indian tea industry—strengthening its legacy, fostering innovation, and elevating its global presence.

Tea Research Association (TRA Tocklai)

#tea #assam #india

[Joydeep Phukan @joyphukan]

The Government of Assam ( Department of Innovation Incubation & Startup’s ) organised a landmark event named “Innovation in Assam Tea: Traceability, Heritage & Global Market Access” on 19 November 2025 under the leadership of Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS Chief Secretary Assam and Dr Jeevan Basavaraj Secretary DIIS and Assam Startup

The event brought together an exceptional group of people who shared how with new policy initiatives of Government of India such as the FTA’s, ANRF funds and National Quantum Mission, tea industry can benefit :

Shri Ajai Chowdhry – Padma Bhushan Iconic Founder of HCL Technologies & Chairman, National Quantum Mission

Shri Rajesh Agrawal IAS – Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Shri S Krishnan – Secretary, MeitY

Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia Secretary, DPIIT

Shri Saket Kumar IAS Joint Secretary Commerce (FT – EU & UK, IBEF, India–EU FTA Deputy Chief Negotiator)

Shri C. Murugan – Deputy Chairman, Tea Board

Smt Mamatha Venkatesh Head of Startup India

In addition to powerful keynote addresses, the event featured four high-impact panel discussions on the following critical themes:

i. Technology-led Traceability
Roadmap
ii. Export Compliance & Global
Standards
ili. New Global Market Opportunities
iv. Heritage Tea Estates as Innovation Hubs

I had the privilege of moderating a session on Export Compliance & Global Standards, joined by distinguished leaders:

Smt. Arunita Phukan Yadav – Exe Director, Tea Board of India
Dr. James J. Nedumpara Head, Centre for Trade & Investment Law
Shri Suneel Singh Sikand Singh Sikand – CEO, Rossell Tea
Shri Vijay Jagannath – Amalgamated Plantations Pvt. Ltd

Key takeaways and suggestions from my Panel :

Opening Tea Export Suvidha (TES) Centres at various Tea Board offices across the region with dedicated contact persons

Formation of Core Team to tackle export related concerns

Guide book in vernacular language for new exporters particularly in tea-growing regions of Assam.

We from Tea Research Association (TRA Tocklai) signed Strategic Partnerships with Government of Assam, Tea Board of India and CDAC on the following

1. Quantum-Safe Digital Infrastructure for Traceability

2. Creation & Promotion of Tea Tourism Circuits in Assam

The Conclave was an important step towards blending technology, heritage and sustainability to strengthen Assam Tea’s global footprint.

I would like to thank Omkarnath Suprabhat Rath COO Assam Startup and the very dynamic Arunabh Sarma who was the key anchor for Government in organising the event alongwith his colleagues.

#Assam #tea #Innovation #technology

[Tea Association of India @TeaAssociation2]

· Tea exports registered an increase of 19% from USD 79.59 Mill in July 2024 to USD 94.69 Mill in July 2025

https://t.co/qunc6m8A2h

[Chief Secretary, Assam @CSAssam_]

Marking 200 Years of #AssamTea at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, a focused Business Roundtable on Investment Opportunities in Assam was hosted by the Consulate General of India, New York, under the leadership of Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan.

The event brought together leading investors, entrepreneurs, diaspora leaders, and stakeholders with a keen interest in India’s Northeast.

Highlighting Assam’s robust investment potential- particularly in food processing, infrastructure, tourism, tea, and textiles, I spoke about the momentum generated by #AdvantageAssam2.0 and the enabling policy environment driving the region’s economic growth.

Under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and the committed efforts of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. @himantabiswa, Assam is now positioned as a key player in India’s growth journey towards #ViksitAssam and #ViksitBharat 2047.

The roundtable concluded with enthusiastic participation and a shared commitment to deepening business engagement with Assam, reinforcing its emergence as a premier investment destination in Eastern India.

@CMOfficeAssam
@BimalBorah119
@binaysrikant76
@IndiainNewYork
@IndianEmbassyUS
@Indiantea1881
@teaboardofindia
@ITPODesk
@AdvantageAssam

[Chief Secretary, Assam @CSAssam_]

I had the honour of jointly inaugurating the India Pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 at the Jacob K. Javits Center, New York, alongside Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan. The Pavilion is more than a showcase of India’s culinary excellence—it is a celebration of shared values, vibrant flavours, and the enduring bond between India and the United States.

This year, we proudly commemorate 200 glorious years of Assam Tea—a journey that began along the banks of the Brahmaputra in 1823 and has since grown into a global symbol of strength, flavour, and heritage. From the bold, malty brews of Assam to the wellness-driven popularity of green and white teas, the tea industry today sustains over a million livelihoods and offers immense trade potential.

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.

As we mark 200 years of Assam Tea, it fills us with pride to know that every single day, cups of tea brewed in homes, cafés, and offices across the world carry with them the spirit of Assam. 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.

Over the next three days, our mission is to foster robust India–US partnerships across the tea spectrum. This includes promoting tea research, developing innovative products such as tea extracts and bio-enzymes for cosmetics and wellness applications, advancing consumer education on sustainability, adopting global supply chain best practices, expanding market development initiatives, and aligning quality standards. We also aim to collaborate with U.S. distributors, importers, institutional and angel investors to forge global partnerships focused on sustainability and traceability. Additionally, we seek to promote tea tourism by showcasing tea estate stays, golfing, and cultural and culinary experiences for American travelers.

The Government of Assam’s roadmap focuses on strengthening India–US ties through strategic collaborations in blockchain, AI, and specialty summits, as well as university linkages. Initiatives include hosting the ‘Heritage to Wellness’ Tea Showcase across the USA, organizing the India–USA Specialty Tea & Wellness Summit, and signing MoUs with U.S. universities, retailers, and innovation platforms to enhance traceability and sustainability partnerships. Leading tea companies from Assam, including Unilever, Tata, Goodricke, Luxmi, and the Indian Tea Association, are also part of the delegation, united in driving this mission forward. I was particularly delighted to spotlight Assam’s emerging tea startups and the transformative role of small tea growers, who are quietly revolutionizing the region’s tea landscape.

Interestingly, the idea of celebrating 200 years of Assam Tea here in New York was brewed during a conversation between Ambassador Pradhan and Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. @himantabiswa earlier this year. I am deeply honoured to represent him at this historic occasion.

My heartfelt gratitude to the Consulate General of India, the Tea Board of India, ITPO, industry leaders, and our U.S. partners for making this celebration truly special.

@CMOfficeAssam
@BimalBorah119
@binaysrikant76
@IndiainNewYork
@teaboardofindia
@Indiantea1881
@ITPODesk

[Joydeep Phukan @joyphukan]

At the G20 meet in South Africa, Prof. Funso Raphael Kutu of South Africa highlights the major findings of the Indo South Africa research project between @TRATocklai and North-West University in South Africa. He mentions of Dr Tanmoy Karak of TRA for contributions on publication of scientific papers on how tea can address micronutrient deficiency in humans.

Micronutrient deficiency has been one of the biggest concerns during Covid19 and micronutrient supplement industry has grown manifold. In his paper attached , it is well documented how black tea can address micronutrient deficiency in humans.

Paper 1

https://t.co/PAQPAs76qV

Paper 2

https://t.co/SlwqI1GuDx

Video at @g20org meeting

https://t.co/8nFiXbJVpS

#tea #micronutrientdeficiency #covid19

[TRA Tocklai @TRATocklai]

At the meeting of Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committe Commerce on 27th at Guwahati, Joydeep Phukan Secretary TRA highlighted the R&D issues of the tea sector & major fund crunch issues of TRA Tocklai to Chairperson & Members of Parliamentary Committee.

@Dolasen7

[Joydeep Phukan @joyphukan]

Theme for International Tea Day 2025 is “ Tea for Better Lives “

#InternationalTeaDay #21stMay #fao

[Joydeep Phukan @joyphukan]

That’s wonderful. Many Congratulations to Mr @TheVikasKhanna on the first anniversary of The Bungalow and wishing more success and stars from @MichelinGuideNA . I am a great admirer of your work especially what you did during Covid feeding thousands. Will surely try to visit the iconic restaurant in my next visit to NYC. Warm regards

#goodfood #compassion #michelin #assam #india

[Bhairav Phukan @BhairavPhukan]

It was a pleasure to meet @TheVikasKhanna at Bungalow! Thank you so much sir for the lovely evening. We had a great conversation on Assamese cuisine. Heartiest Congratulations on Bungalow’s 1st anniversary!

#VikasKhanna #masterchefindia #Indian #ProudIndian

[Will Ripley @willripleyCNN]

Indian Prime Minister Modi understood the assignment in his 8th meeting with President Trump. It could've been bad. Modi was in DC on the same day Trump announced dreaded reciprocal tariffs. Despite trade friction, both sides walked away with deliverables on a potential trade deal, energy, military etc. 'MIGA' (Make India Great Again) + MAGA = MEGA is very clever branding that resonates with Trump. Other leaders, take note.

[Joydeep Phukan @joyphukan]

@willripleyCNN @himantabiswa Sir you may have a look at this

[Bhairav Phukan @BhairavPhukan]

@IndiainNewYork

[Bhairav Phukan @BhairavPhukan]

Happy #Diwali 🪔 May this new year bring joy and prosperity to all! It was so wonderful to meet @binaysrikant76 sir, Honourable Consul General of New York. Thank you so much sir for taking out the time to celebrate Diwali with the Indian community at Columbia!
#NewYork #columbia

[Joydeep Phukan @joyphukan]

In Thailand, teas are being sold as Assam green tea and Assam black tea. Price of these teas are Rs 1500 - 2000 per Kg. Surprisingly these teas sold as Assam tea is from Chiang Rai Province of Thailand which also has Thai Geographical identification tag. Spoke to Shri Ramji Ramaswamy Vice Consul Commerce Consulate of India Chiang Mai and he is very keen to promote genuine Assam tea in Northern Thailand. It will be if Government of Assam can promote some of the good tea brands of Assam.

[Joydeep Phukan @joyphukan]

The 45th Assam Convention at Nashville USA held on the 29-30 June celebrated 200 years of Assam tea through a dedicated event. Peter F. Goggi President of Tea Association of USA, Raj Barooah of Aideobari & Thengalbari TE Chirayu Borooah of Harris Tea Company Pallav Agarwala and Lora A. were the speakers at the event. It’s great to see the Assam Association led by Jay Barua and his team organising a special event for the bicentennial celebration of Assam tea. Thank you Peter for readily accepting to participate . Would like to thank my cousin Ajanta Goswami for all the work she has put in to make the convention a success.