Constraints of Conventional and Organic Small Tea Growers in Assam

Introduction

The tea industry is the lifeline of Assam's economy, deeply intertwined with its history, culture, and rural livelihood system. Introduced during the colonial period, the industry initially revolved around large plantations, but over the past three decades, small tea growers (STGs) have emerged as a transformative force. Today, they account for nearly half of Assam's total tea production, reflecting not only their numerical strength but also their growing economic significance. Their participation has democratized tea cultivation, creating opportunities for rural households that were once marginally linked to the plantation sector. The expansion of STGs has generated substantial employment, encouraged diversification of rural livelihoods, and contributed to poverty reduction. Unlike estates, where tea is grown on large tracts of land with structured management, STGs typically operate on fragmented holdings, often less than two hectares. Their cultivation practices vary widely, with some adopting conventional methods while others move toward organic farming in response to rising global demand for chemical-free products. This shift demonstrates both the adaptability and the aspirations of small growers to integrate into emerging markets. However, the growth of the STG sector also raises critical questions about sustainability, profitability, and institutional support. Since STGs function at the intersection of traditional practices and modern market demands, their challenges differ significantly from those of large estates. Understanding these dynamics is essential not only for improving grower livelihoods but also for ensuring the resilience of Assam's tea economy in a competitive global environment. This study seeks to bridge that knowledge gap by analyzing the key problems faced by small growers and identifying pathways for their sustainable development.

Methodology

The study was carried out in the Jorhat and Golaghat districts of Assam, regions where tea cultivation is a dominant agricultural activity and where the number of organic tea growers has been steadily increasing in recent years. A total of 120 respondents were selected for the research through random sampling, consisting of 90 conventional small tea growers and 30 organic small tea growers. This distribution provided a balanced perspective to analyze the comparative challenges faced under both cultivation systems. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to ensure comprehensive data collection. The study employed structured questionnaires, personal interviews, and on-site observations to gather first-hand information directly from growers. This combination allowed for both quantitative measurement and qualitative insights into the constraints of www.extensionjournal.com small tea cultivation.

Analytical technique

The Henry Garrett ranking technique was used to analyze the data and prioritize the problems faced by small tea growers. In this method, the percentage position of each rank assigned by respondents is converted into scores using Garrett's conversion table. The scores for each factor are then summed across all respondents and divided by the total number of responses, providing a mean score for each factor.

Formula

Percent Position (PP) = Where Rij = Rank given for the ith factor by the jth respondent Nj = Total number of factors ranked by the jth respondent This ranking method enabled the identification of the most critical constraints faced by both conventional and organic small tea growers in the study area.

Results and Discussion

The analysis of small tea growers in Assam reveals significant challenges affecting both conventional and organic cultivation. Labour costs, input expenses, pest and disease management, and market uncertainties emerged as the most pressing constraints influencing production efficiency and farmer income. For conventional small tea growers, it was seen in Table 1 that high labour cost emerged as the most critical problem with a Garrett score of 73.80, reflecting the labour-intensive nature of tea cultivation and the difficulty in hiring skilled workers. The unavailability of skilled labour (66.63) and price fluctuations of green tea leaves (64.87) were the next most significant issues, indicating that workforce scarcity and market instability strongly affect profitability. Pest and disease outbreaks (55.56) also rank highly, demonstrating the vulnerability of crops to biotic stresses. Other notable constraints include high input prices (44.23), exploitation by middlemen (41.21), lack of market information (38.15), unfavourable weather conditions (35.40), limited government support (32.20), and delayed payment from buyers (29.80). Collectively, these results show that conventional growers face overlapping operational, economic, and structural challenges that impact their sustainability and income security. In the case of organic tea growers, it was seen in Table 2 that they experienced a distinct set of challenges. The high cost of organic inputs (71.50) is their most pressing problem, emphasizing the financial burden of eco-friendly practices. Pest and disease issues (69.10) and high initial investment (65.60) are also significant, highlighting the capital-intensive and labour-intensive nature of organic cultivation. Labour intensity (57.67), market uncertainty (53.20), certification barriers (42.93), knowledge gaps (37.37), untimely availability of inputs (37.27), erratic rainfall (34.87), and transportation challenges (31.50) further restrict operational efficiency and expansion.

Policy recommendations for overcoming challenges and promoting sustainable tea cultivation in Assam

To effectively tackle the technical, economic, labour, marketing, and infrastructure challenges faced by small tea growers in Assam, a comprehensive set of policy measures is needed. The following recommendations outline strategies that can strengthen the tea sector, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable cultivation practices, with particular focus on both conventional and organic small tea growers.

Suggestions for conventional tea growers

Use of small machines: Introducing small tea plucking and pruning machines can reduce the need for manual labor and help manage rising labor costs. Providing subsidies may encourage more small growers to adopt these machines. Financial support: Offering subsidies or low-interest loans for costly organic inputs and initial setup can make organic farming more affordable.

Skill

Easier certification: Simplifying the organic certification process and providing financial or technical help can motivate more growers to switch to organic cultivation.

Better market access: Connecting organic growers directly to export markets or online platforms can improve their income and marketing opportunities.

Conclusion

The study highlights that small tea growers in Assam face multiple challenges that affect productivity, income, and sustainability. Conventional growers are mainly constrained by high labour costs, shortage of skilled workers, and price fluctuations, while organic growers struggle with expensive inputs, high initial investment, and certification barriers. Pest and disease management is a shared concern for both groups. Addressing these issues requires integrated strategies, including technical training, financial support, improved market access, affordable inputs, and infrastructure development. Effective policy measures and institutional support are essential to strengthen small tea growers, promote sustainable cultivation, and ensure longterm growth of Assam's tea sector.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementThe authors sincerely acknowledge the respondents from the Jorhat and Golaghat districts of Assam, who generously provided valuable information and extended their full support throughout the study. The authors are also grateful to the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Assam Agricultural University, for providing the necessary facilities and guidance to carry out this research successfully.

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