Govt takes steps to boost tea production amid rising demand: Commerce minister
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said higher domestic tea consumption, driven by economic growth and improved living standards, has reduced exportable surplus.
The government is taking steps to increase tea production through subsidised fertiliser supply and expansion of tea cultivation in the northern region, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said.
"A taskforce was formed on 7 June to identify ways to increase tea production, improve quality, and boost exports. Further measures will be taken based on its recommendations," he told parliament today (9 July) while replying to a question from Cumilla-10 BNP's lawmaker Md Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan.
In his question, Mobasher said Bangladesh had once ranked fifth among tea-exporting countries but had now become an importer.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He wanted to know whether the government had taken any effective measures to increase tea production.
In reply, the commerce minister said domestic tea consumption had increased due to economic growth and improvements in people's living standards, reducing the amount available for export compared with the past.
The country produced 949.3 lakh kilogrammes of tea in 2025, of which 16.4 lakh kilogrammes were exported after meeting domestic demand, he said, adding that during the same period, Bangladesh imported 0.5 lakh kilogrammes of tea.
He also said the government was discouraging tea imports to protect the local industry.
To increase production, subsidised chemical fertilisers are being supplied to 172 tea gardens across the country, he added.
The minister said that small tea growers in the northern region are receiving training and technical support to expand tea cultivation.
Meanwhile, responding to a question from reserved-seat lawmaker Shammi Akter, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said regular inspections are being conducted to ensure compliance with labour laws in tea gardens in Chunarughat and Madhabpur upazilas of Habiganj.
"Three tea garden authorities faced cases before labour courts in the 2025-26 fiscal year over allegations of irregularities in wage payments under Section 123 of the Labour Act," he said.
He also said corrective action plans are being implemented following inspections, while regular awareness meetings are being held with the local administration, owners, and other stakeholders.
Although provident funds, pensions, and health insurance do not directly fall under the responsibilities of the Labour and Employment Ministry, the Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation provides one-time financial assistance for workers' accidental deaths, treatment of critical illnesses, education of meritorious children of workers, and maternity support, he added.
