An motivational discussion and interaction workshop was held in Tetulia, Panchagarh, aimed at building the capacity of smallholder tea farmers in northern regions, producing quality green tea leaves, and ensuring the sustainable development of the tea industry.
On Tuesday (October 27) afternoon, Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Shukria Parvin attended as the chief guest and delivered an important speech at the workshop hosted on the Tetulia Government College grounds.
Presided over by Tetulia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anwar Hossain, the workshop featured special addresses by Bangladesh Tea Board District Regional In-Charge Amir Hossain, Tetulia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Laichur Rahman, Small Tea Garden Owners and Tea Traders Association of Bangladesh President ABM Aktaruzzaman, Association Director and Upazila BNP General Secretary Rezaul Karim Shahin, Vice-Presidents Shahjahan Khan and Matiur Rahman.
Officials from Solidaridad, alongside small tea farmers, tea workers, traders, and concerned individuals, also participated.
Speakers at the workshop asserted that producing quality green tea leaves is indispensable to making northern Bangladesh's tea industry more promising and competitive. This requires utilizing modern technology in tea cultivation, proper care, avoiding excessive pesticide use, and scientific tea leaf harvesting methods.
They added that adhering to the "two leaves and a bud" principle during harvesting and proper equipment utilization will enhance tea quality, potentially fetching better prices at auction markets while ensuring smallholders receive fair prices for green tea leaves, boosting their economic standing.
Participants expressed satisfaction over current tea market prices, claiming that following the July uprising, farmers are receiving comparatively better prices for green tea leaves—currently selling at 30 to 40 taka per kg, with rates touching 50 taka per kg recently.
Some speakers linked the improving tea market prices to the current political climate and BNP's role, expressing optimism that the tea industry will advance further under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's plans, while emphasizing steady supplies of necessary fertilizers and pesticides.
Speakers noted that Panchagarh's tea has gained domestic recognition for quality, and organic teas are being exported abroad. Strengthening quality control at every production stage, modern farming methods, and grower skills development will solidify Panchagarh's standing in international markets.
The workshop prioritized reducing production costs, harvesting quality leaves, securing fair prices, and collaborative efforts among all stakeholders.
Organizers expressed hope that combined government-private initiatives and growers' efforts will enrich Panchagarh's tea industry, contributing significantly to northern economic development and employment generation.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Salaudin Kadir Doyel, Panchagarh Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
