It is positive news that, after a slow start to the year, per data of the Bangladesh Tea Board, the 168 tea gardens across the country have yielded over 95 million kilograms (kgs) of tea this year, exceeding the previous year's overall production by 10.79%.

Our tea industry could thereby possibly emerge as a potential player in our export sector, offering a golden opportunity for diversification and sustained growth. However, for that to happen, there are many issues that still need to be addressed.

As per Major General Md Ashraul Islam, chairman of the Bangladesh Tea Board, this is the first ever time that tea production, once December’s numbers are tallied, could exceed 100 million kgs in a single year in Bangladesh for which credit must be given to the proper planning and implementation of the ideas by the relevant authorities and stakeholders.

However, there remains much to be done for our tea industry to reach its fullest potential, and improving on the quality to yield higher prices and better sales is paramount to that. 

By adopting innovative cultivation techniques, embracing technology, and ensuring the use of high-quality seeds, we can enhance both the quantity and quality of our tea yields. This is what could boost our reputation and position Bangladesh as a reliable supplier in the international tea market.

Crucially, the welfare of tea workers, who are the backbone of the industry, must also be prioritized. Ensuring fair wages, proper housing, and access to healthcare are not only ethical imperatives but also essential for cultivating a motivated and productive workforce.

By investing in modernization while simultaneously prioritizing the welfare of tea workers, we can foster a thriving tea industry that has the potential to elevate Bangladesh's global standing in the world of tea.

(This article was first published by Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh).