GUWAHATI: The Small Tea Grower Sustainability Program (STGSP) has set the goal of empowering 35,000 small tea growers in Assam by 2025.
This target was announced during the program's 2nd Multistakeholder Dialogue on Living Income in the Assam Tea Sector held in Guwahati on December 12. Facilitated by IDH, the initiative brings together various stakeholders, including Small Tea Growers (STGs), Buyer Lead Firms (BLFs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Government, with the aim of developing a sustainable roadmap for a thriving tea sector in Assam.
Also discussed were the recognition of the challenges faced by the state's 120,000 STGs, who contribute an impressive 50% of Assam's total tea output. Despite their significant presence, these growers often grapple with harsh realities, as 85% operate on small land holdings, resulting in insufficient income and reliance on additional ventures. The average STG household struggles to surpass an annual net income of ₹175,000.
Acknowledging this economic disparity as a fundamental obstacle to sustainable development, the STGSP dialogue focused on building an inclusive supply chain and diversifying household income. The first session envisioned a tea sector in 2030 characterised by quality, fair pricing, responsible practices, and equal opportunities that empower all stakeholders. Participants emphasised the necessity of collective action, involving growers to workers, to establish a thriving ecosystem.
The second session delved into household income diversification as a key risk mitigation strategy. Exploring the potential of innovative solutions and collaboration, participants discussed the critical ecosystem services needed to build a resilient tea sector, ensuring prosperity reaches all participants, from the smallest grower to the largest consumer.
Jatin Bavishi, the program manager of STGSP talking to media said, "By constructing data-driven models and implementing strategic interventions, we aim to narrow the living income gap for 35,000 STGs by 2025, through enhanced incomes, environmental sustainability, and diversified economic avenues."