Introduction

Establishing in 2007 the primary focus of the Centre for Tea and Agro Studies is to provide quality training and equip the students aspiring to join the Tea Industry as well as undertake research on quality and productivity related management of the Industry through active collaboration with Tea Research Association (TRA), Tea Board of India and other tea associations of the country. The idea of establishing the Centre has evolved through a process of wider consultation with the tea industry of the State represented by prominent personnel from the Industry of this region. It goes without saying that the economy of the State depends primarily on tea apart from oil and the Tea Industry has for nearly two centuries now been contributing immensely to the economy as well as its socio cultural life. In recent times, there has been significance expansion of of this agro industry with small tea growers both individually and in the form of self help groups determining for themselves a very important role. The industry however, is being confronted with major challenges from strong competition in the global market and therefore be able to combine expansion with improved techniques for high yield and enhancement of quality, in order to be able to recover lost grounds and to open up new markets. In overview of this pressing concern, the University has designed a syllabus in consultation with the Industry regarding its real and urgent needs as well as long-term policies, with the intention of imparting education/training in the areas of tea technology, productivity/plantation and quality management.

The emergence of Small Tea Growers in Assam is a new phenomenon with great potential. It is pertinent to mention that a sizeable number of students taking the course every year come from the Small Tea Growers. It has been noticed that there are tremendous possibilities for STGs to meet the global demands of Organic tea and other specialty tea. This emergence of STG in the State calls for facilities for professional training in the new areas of tea processing and production in smaller units with smaller machines, bio-control pests, organic cultivation, eco-friendly management practices and marketing etc. besides regular agronomic practices including the aspects of clones, soil testing, fertilizer application etc. Keeping these points in mind, the Centre of late, has come with basic infrastructure like more realistic market oriented syllabus, state of the art laboratories and equipment etc for catering the new demands thereby enhancing employment possibilities and entrepreneurial ventures through these intensive professional training. Based on significances of organic cultivation and green and organic tea, the Centre has set up a start-up unit on bio-pesticide and bio-fertilizer by an ex-student of the University and setting up of a mini factory for production green tea. The Centre is also liaising with young interested students who will collaborate with Small Tea Growers in getting green leaves for manufacture of end products to enable them to sell in the market at premium remunerative rates.