What problem or need did the project address?
The tea industry is critical to the Indian economy: India is the largest producer and consumer of tea in the world and the tea industry provides employment for more than 2.5 million farmers and workers.
Traidcraft Exchange's work in the tea industry was prompted by a crisis caused by a dramatic fall in tea prices. Those worst affected were plantation workers and small growers; the crisis saw the closure of tea estates that employed thousands of workers, and of factories to which small growers might sell.
The crisis devastated communities whose livelihoods depend on growing tea. Many growers and workers were unable to find work, children stopped going to school and people were starting to despair in the face of mounting debt. For many, lack of food and water had led to starvation, malnutrition and even death.
What did the project do?
Traidcraft Exchange developed a comprehensive project to ensure the long-term welfare of tea growers and workers in the states of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The project took a participatory and empowering approach, working closely with the growers and workers themselves to enable change.
The project supported them to develop sustainable livelihoods by: organising tea growers into associations; identifying new market opportunities; providing business support; and lobbying to improve legislation in the industry.
What impact has the project had?
The project has made substantial impact:
-
Tea growers have been organised into associations to help them access technical training and to collectively negotiate with buyers. 316 societies covering over 20,000 small tea growers have been organised in 4 states – 124 in Assam, 51 in West Bengal, 41 in Tamil Nadu and 100 in Kerala. Regional and state level associations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have also been formed and are functioning effectively to address a number of issues facing small tea growers.
-
The average price that tea growers receive for their green leaf has increased by about 70%! This is partly due to technical improvements (the growers have received technical training and are now growing a better quality of leaf) but also to improved relationships between growers and the factories to which they sell.
-
Small tea growers now understand the policy barriers and representatives are having regular meetings with the Tea Board India (TBI) to address a range of issues. A national level representative body for small tea growers, the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers’ Associations (CISTA), was formed was formed in 2007. The Tea Board has included CISTA as an ‘Invitee’ on its Board. This indicates recognition of CISTA as the voice of small tea growers. CISTA suggested changes in policy to support small tea growers and workers. Historic policy changes occurred in 11th Five Year Plan of the Government of India to recognise rights of small tea growers. This includes working capital for small tea grower societies, development support, crop insurance and more staff to support small tea growers.
Our project has benefitted over 230,000 tea growers and 30,000 tea workers, as well as their families.
Our local partner
Traidcraft Exchange implemented this project with CEC (Centre for Education & Communication). CEC has a strong background in labour rights and works with all relevant stakeholders in the Indian tea industry.
How is this project funded?
The project is funded by the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) and
generous donations from individuals.
