Experts Examine Two Centuries of Assam Tea Economy at Dibru College

Dibru College in Dibrugarh hosted a symposium where historians, economists and tea‑industry experts revisited the two‑century evolution of Assam's tea economy. The discussions traced the colonial origins of tea plantations, the transition to Indian ownership, and the current challenges faced by growers and exporters.

Panelists highlighted how tea cultivation reshaped the region's demographics, labor patterns and trade links, noting that despite growth, many smallholders still grapple with market volatility and limited access to modern technology.

The event also explored decolonising the narrative around Assam tea, urging policymakers to incorporate indigenous perspectives and promote sustainable practices that benefit local communities.

Organisers from the college's Department of History and the Assam Tea Board co‑ordinated the sessions, aiming to foster academic‑industry dialogue and inform future reforms.

Attendees included students, local tea estate managers and representatives from trade bodies, all of whom called for continued research and policy support to ensure the sector's equitable development.