Agartala, November 24(TIWN): Due to the mismanagement in distribution of wheat the workers of Manu valley tea garden boycotted their work, here today. Though, the authorities had told them to pay the money instead of wheat. But the workers refused to take money. This had hampered the processing and manufacturing of tea leaves from the garden.

Sources informed, that the authorities of the tea garden had always distributed the ration to the workers which includes wheat, rice etc. But from last two weeks they had failed to distribute wheat for the workers. But in change, they agreed to pay the money. But the workers had refused to accept it. In protest they had boycotted the work and submitted deputation to the labour officer. Though, the General Manager of the tea garden, Jagadish Chandra Das had assured to supply ration within few days. Despite that the workers also complained that this garden does not fall on the rationing quota as released by the Central Government.

Banking on the quality products, finished tea produced at Manu Valley tea estate has got a whopping rate at tea auction market. While finished tea produced in other gardens is offered Rs.110 per kg at auction market, the Manu Valley tea has fetched Rs. 220 per kg bringing a new hope for the tea planters here.“Our moto is to maintain quality products has finally paid back as Manu Valley tea is sold Rs. 220 per kg at auction market this year, which is almost at par with the Assam tea”, said an executive of Manu Valley tea estate.

At Manu Valley tea estate in Kailashahar sub division, a tea manufacturing factory having installed capacity of 30lakh kg tea production annually had been established several years ago. “At our own modern factory, we have always been focusing on quality products to woo the tea sippers. After a long struggle, we have been able to receive a good amount of rate at the auction market”, he said with a hint of pride.

In the last year (2013­14), the Manu Valley tea estate has produced 24 lakh kg tea setting a new record when It comes to tea production in a single factory. In the same time, he also voiced concern over problems being faced by tea planters here. “Cost of production has been scaling up due to hike in the diesel prices and electricity appearing tough challenge for the tea planters in Tripura. Shortage of skilled labors is also affecting the collection of tea leaves prompting the tea planters to introduce machines”, pointed out. Besides, the pro­long dry spell also posing threat to the normal production in the state. If the monsoon is not normal, the overall tea production in the state will certainly come down 30 percent, according to experts.