Assam becomes the first Indian state to commercially produce matcha tea, with the Tinsukia-based Chota Tingrai Tea Estate beginning production of India’s first matcha batch. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announces the development and says it is part of a decade-long technical collaboration with Japanese experts, agronomists and equipment partners. Assam’s government links the initiative to the state’s climate and soil, which it says are suitable for cultivating shade-grown leaves needed for matcha.
Matcha is made from specially cultivated tea leaves that are processed into a fine powder; unlike regular green tea, it is consumed as the entire powdered leaf. The estate’s initial batch is reported as 5 kg, which is sold through auction at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre. The first lot (Lot No. 7001) reportedly fetches ₹3,000 via J. Thomas & Co. Pvt. Ltd., secured by Guwahati-based Sheosons Chai Co.
The state government frames the move as diversification for Assam’s tea sector—traditionally known for black teas—intended to strengthen “Brand Assam Tea,” support income prospects for tea estates and farmers, and respond to growing international demand for premium teas.
