(1) The State Government shall, having regard to the following among other factors, fix the price at which tendu leaves shall be purchased by or for [* * *] in each unit of the division during the year namely-
(a) the price of tendu leaves, if any, fixed under this Act during the preceding three years in respect of the unit;
(b) the quality of the leaves grown in the unit;
(c) the transport facilities available in the unit;'
(d) the cost of transport; and
(e) the general rate of wages for unskilled labour prevalent in the unit.
(2) The price so fixed shall be published [* * *] in such manner as the State Government may direct, [and shall not be reduced] during the year to which it relates.
(3) Where an Advisory Committee has been constituted under Section 6 before the fixation of price under sub-section (1), the Advisory Committee shall, wherever practicable, be consulted by the State Government before such fixation.