New Delhi, Dec 12, 2022, By Special Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 12: The Rajya Sabha Monday heard an impassioned appeal by a BJP member to declare tea as a national drink.

Pabitra Margherita (BJP) demanded that tea be declared a national drink or beverage as it is consumed in every nook and corner of the country.

Margherita, who represents Assam in the Upper House of Parliament, raised the issue during Zero Hour.

He also sought central government support for the 200-year celebration of Assam tea next year and a special package for 50 lakh tea workers whose living and working conditions are appalling.

The fertile hills of Assam are home to some of the most prized teas in the world.

McLeod Russel's Assam estates supply tea to the companies that own PG Tips, Liptons, Tetley and Twinings.

The sprawling estates - owned by some of the biggest Indian and multinational firms - also have luxury lodgings that are hugely popular with tourists.

But, unfortunately, the living conditions of the workers are far from idyllic.

Geographical Indication (GI) has been given to Assam orthodox tea. Assam mainly produces CTC tea and 90% of Assam’s production is black tea.

Assam is the largest producer of tea in India and accounts for 52 per cent of India’s tea.

Assam has more than 10 lakh tea workers in the organised sector, working in about 850 big estates. The rest are in the unorganised sector.

The tea belts of Brahmaputra and Barak valleys are home to more than 60 lakh people.