The northeastern zonal office of the Tea Board here has disbursed Rs 32.97 crore to its beneficiaries to provide support to the tea industry here during the lockdown.

Assam produces more than half of the country’s tea output and the industry, which been reeling under a crisis for quite some time, has been acutely hit by the lockdown. Production has been impacted and the first flush badly hit.

The amount of Rs 32.97 crore has been given to 1,088 beneficiaries (big gardens as well as small tea growers).

The money was given through direct-benefit transfer. Apart from Assam, tea is grown in other states of the region.

A senior official here said it has extended special service and ensured that critical matters involving approvals, permission, assistance and public interest matter do not suffer.

“Arrangements are already in place, including necessary intervention of the head of departments to ensure that all critical functions/working including parliament queries, Covid-19-related export import clearance prohibition, Covid-19 related sector-wise monitoring of supply chains, protocols, exports and remedial measures are carried out as expeditiously and smoothly as possible,” the official said.

In view of the lockdown, for the benefit of stakeholders, new dates have already been circulated for submission of various returns for the month of March.

Of the total disbursement of Rs 32.97 crore, Rs 10.43 crore was provided to big gardens for replanting/rejuvenation benefiting 172 people.

A total of Rs 1.26 crore was spent on providing assistance to small tea growers (149 beneficiaries) for new planting/assistance to self-help group training.

Under quality upgrade and incentive for orthodox production, Rs 15.09 crore was disbursed to 379 beneficiaries.

Under human resources development component, Rs 15.09 lakh was disbursed to wards of workers of tea estates spread over 182 beneficiaries to provide stipend and vocational training.

Under the Scheduled Caste sub-plan, 40 beneficiaries belonging to the SC community were provided with assistance of Rs 30 lakh for field mechanisation and assistance to self-help groups.

Under tribal area sub-plan Rs 3.42 crore was disbursed covering 146 beneficiaries for assistance to self-help groups for setting up of a mini tea factory, organic conversion, organic certification and others while under the market promotion component, Rs 1.95 crore was disbursed for assistance to exporters for transport and handling charges.