Small Tea Growers of Assam: An analysis of Growth and Success

It is needless to say that tea is a global phenomenon – a commodity having a wider market ramification. Tea is the largest agro-based industry in Assam. The tea plant was discovered in 1823 by Robert Bruce in Assam. Now Assam is the largest tea producer state of India contributing about 55% to India's total tea production. This article traces the history of tea industry in Assam.

Small tea growers are now an economic force for the state of Assam. This article analyses the growth and remarkable performance of small tea growers of Assam. This study was conducted to analyse the origin and evolution of small tea growers in Assam and the impact of tea boom on them. This study reveals that since 1987 until now, the number of small tea growers has increased from 21 to 68465, and the total land covered under tea cultivation of small growers is 117 thousand hectares. This article also mentions some problems faced by small tea growers like settlement of government land problem, agricultural tax, sale tax, loan or grant for setting up small tea factories, sale of green leaves, etc.