Guwahati, 26 June 2025: Assam’s tea gardens, known for their rolling greens and rich aroma, are embracing a silent revolution – one that is powered not just by tradition, but by clean energy and climate-smart innovation. At the forefront of this transformation is Cairn Oil & Gas, whose clean fuel initiatives are helping the state’s 200-year-old tea industry pivot toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Producing more than 55% of India’s tea and nearly one-sixth of global supply, Assam’s tea sector is the backbone of the state’s economy. With over 650 million kilograms of tea produced annually, it supports the livelihoods of nearly three million people, from pluckers to packagers, and contributes significantly to India’s GDP. As Assam’s largest agri-based industry, tea is not just a symbol of heritage – it’s a pillar of progress.
Recognising this vital role, Cairn Oil & Gas has been supplying clean natural gas from its Hazarigaon Gas unit in Assam, the first northeast block auctioned under the Discovered Small Fields (DSF) policy to be put to production, to tea estates across Upper Assam in collaboration with Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL) since 2023. The gas is supplied through a main trunk pipeline and a gas cascading system. This transition away from coal-based energy systems is reducing carbon emissions, lowering production costs, and enabling estates to invest in modern, climate-resilient practices.
“Assam’s tea is one of India’s proudest exports, and at Cairn, we see clean energy as a catalyst for strengthening this legacy,” said spokesperson, Cairn Oil & Gas. “Our mission is to support the industry’s evolution through affordable, reliable energy that fuels not just operations, but long-term sustainability.”
Tea estate owners are already witnessing the benefits. With Cairn’s natural gas supply, gardens are reporting up to 15–20% savings in fuel costs, alongside a measurable decline in greenhouse emissions. The improved energy efficiency is also allowing producers to diversify into specialty teas, adopt drought-resistant plant varieties, and integrate water-saving irrigation systems – critical steps in the face of climate uncertainties.
One such estate, Arin Tea Pvt. Ltd., has implemented drip irrigation across 30% of its acreage, resulting in 15% water savings without compromising yield. “Cairn’s support has enabled us to innovate while preserving Assam’s tea legacy,” said Rakhi Saikia, Director of Arin Tea. “We’re responding to the climate crisis with practical changes – shade trees, efficient irrigation, and climate-adapted cultivation – and clean energy is central to this journey.”
This forward-looking approach echoes the vision of Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, who, speaking at Advantage Assam 2.0, in February lauded the state’s natural abundance and highlighted the transformative potential of aligning its traditional strengths – like tea – with sustainable, technology-driven growth.
Cairn’s local gas production is also contributing to Assam’s broader clean energy shift. Beyond tea estates, this gas is now powering CNG buses in Guwahati, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision for energy independence and environmental stewardship.