<h1>Small tea growers seek Rs 35/kg minimum sustainable price and formal farmer recognition for welfare access</h1> Small tea growers representing roughly half of national production have formally requested the government to establish a minimum sustainable price (MSP) of Rs 35 per kilogram for green tea leaves to prevent distress sales and ensure income sustainability. They asked for formal recognition equivalent to agricultural farmers to access central welfare schemes. The commerce ministry agreed to commission a ground-level study and propose formation of a national pricing committee to design and implement transparent MSP mechanisms, signaling potential regulatory changes and expanded eligibility for sectoral welfare and support measures.