The Hindu Business Line : TN gesture to small tea growers

INDCOSERVE, the apex body of the industrial co-operative tea factories, is now distributing pamphlets to the small growers in Nilgiris asking them to join the Price Stabilisation Fund operated by the Tea Board.

The pamphlet points out that the Tamil Nadu Government has granted Rs 1.15 crore to the fund on behalf of the growers to be treated as their joining fee. This covers the charge of Rs 500 to be paid as a one-time joining fee by 23,000 small growers owning less than four hectares under tea who are eligible to join the scheme. The 10-year scheme launched in 2003 has, by now, enlisted 12,186 small growers as members. Indcoserve has appealed to the remaining growers also to join the scheme taking advantage of the grant of joining fee by the State Government.

As per the scheme, the growers have to open an account in any nationalised bank. When the prices are at specific levels, the years will be regarded as normal and the growers have to deposit Rs 500 into the accounts. The Centre would also deposit Rs 500 into their accounts. If the prices fall, the growers need not deposit any sum, but the Centre will pay Rs 1,000 into their accounts.

When prices rise over the normal level, the Centre will not deposit any sum, but the growers have to credit Rs 1,000 or more into their accounts.

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