Tea auctioneers form body

Kolkata: Tea auctioneers from the northern and southern parts of the country Friday said that they have come together to form an umbrella body to safeguard their interests. The body, christened Association of Tea Auctioneers (ATA) will work also for the smooth functioning of the auctioning system in the country. About 13 tea auctioneers licensed by the Tea Board, including majors J Thomas, Contemporary Brokers and Parcon formed the ATA. Its secretary Sujit Patra told reporters here that there was no formal institution so far for the auctioneers to deal with issues collectively for the overall benefit of the trade.