Assam STGs need guidance for organic tea cultivations like Sikkim

Uddhab Chandra Sarmah (uddhab@solidaridadnetwork.org)

Within the tea supply chain, the Small Tea Growers (STGs) have grown exponentially over the last 40 years. The Tea Board of India defines a Small Tea Grower as a person who has a tea cultivation of up to 25 acres. But in the current scenario, most growers own less than 2 acres of land. A sizable number of small farmers, especially in upper Assam, have taken up tea cultivation during the last 30-35 years. In 2018, Assam produced around 691.91 million kg out of which 304.49 million kg (44.01%) were from the Small Tea Grower segments. The trend is increasing, and the production may exceed 500 million kg in the coming years. Further, from the total tea production of India in 2018 which was 1338.63 million kg almost 52% of tea was from the Small Tea Growers segments thereby showcasing as one of the most enterprising revolutionary segments of India.

As per Tea Board of India data, as of May 2024, there are a total of 1,25,484 small tea growers in the state, who have 1,17,304 hectares of land under cultivation and contribute nearly 48 percent of the total tea produced annually in the state.

Let us explore the scope of how best the areas under tea cultivations of small tea growers who have been holding areas ranging from half a bigha to about 5-6 bighas per family of 80-85% of the total population of STGs, can be converted to sustainable organic tea cultivations like in Sikkim which is declared as the organic state of India. This will help the farmers to grow teas to produce 100% organic teas from the food safety point of view.

Transitioning the tea cultivation areas of small tea growers (STGs) into sustainable organic farming can provide numerous benefits, including improved soil health, better market prices, environmental safety, and enhanced tea quality. Drawing lessons from Sikkim, India’s first organic state, a structured approach is required to achieve this transformation. Here’s a roadmap to explore the scope and implement this change effectively:

1. Policy and Institutional Support

n Incentives and Subsidies: Governments and local authorities should provide financial support for organic inputs (compost, bio-pesticides, etc.) and certification costs.

n Formation of Farmer Collectives: Cooperatives or Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can help small growers pool resources, share knowledge, and access markets.

n Research and Development: Collaboration with institutions like Tea Research Associations and agricultural universities can provide localized solutions for organic tea cultivation.

2. Capacity Building and Training

n Awareness Campaigns: Educate STGs about the benefits of organic farming for health, environment, and marketability.

n Training Programmes: Conduct workshops on organic farming practices like composting, vermiculture, intercropping, and natural pest management.

n Skill Development: Offer practical sessions for managing organic tea gardens and using bio-fertilizers effectively.

3. Soil Health Management

n Soil Testing: Assess the soil health of STG holdings to determine specific requirements for organic conversion.

n Composting and Vermiculture: Encourage the production of organic manure using locally available biomass and farm waste.

n Mulching and Cover Crops: Promote practices to maintain soil moisture and fertility.

4. Adoption of Organic Practices

n Prohibition of Chemical Inputs: Gradual phase-out of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with natural alternatives.

n Intercropping and Biodiversity: Introduce companion crops and native plants to enhance biodiversity and reduce pest issues.

n Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Use natural predators, neem-based sprays, and other bio-pesticides.

5. Certification and Market Linkages

n Simplified Certification Process: Streamline organic certification for small growers through group certifications or government schemes.

n Market Access: Develop partnerships with organic tea buyers, both domestic and international, ensuring premium pricing.

n Brand Development: Promote organic tea as a unique, high-quality product to enhance market visibility.

6. Financial Assistance and Insurance

n Subsidized Loans: Offer low-interest loans to STGs for organic conversion.

n Crop Insurance: Provide coverage for risks during the transition period to organic cultivation.

7. Learning from Sikkim’s Success

n Government Commitment: Replicate Sikkim’s policy model, where the government played a critical role in banning chemical inputs and promoting organics.

n Community Involvement: Foster community-led initiatives for organic certification and market access.

8. Environmental and Health Benefits

n Sustainability: Organic farming practices reduce carbon footprints and improve ecological balance.

n Safe Produce: Organic tea is free from harmful residues, ensuring consumer safety.

9. Monitoring and Feedback

n Regular Assessments: Monitor the progress of organic conversions through farmer feedback and field inspections.

n Adaptive Practices: Modify practices based on climatic conditions and local challenges.

Conclusion: With proper planning, financial assistance, and technical support, small tea growers can emulate Sikkim’s organic success.
This will not only improve the livelihoods of STGs but also contribute to environmental conservation and public health.

However, all said and done, the untiring support and commitment from the government must be exhibited to ensure that Assam STGs can also convert ‘Assam Teas’ into full organic produce that is not only tasty with flavour but also safe and healthy from all impurities.