The Better Income Project, implemented under the Small Tea Growers’ Sustainability Program (STGSP) in Assam and North Bengal, continues to strengthen the capacity and income of Small Tea Growers (STGs) through sustainable farming, government linkages, and entrepreneurship promotion. The project has reached 2,447 farmers this month across seven districts and 35 blocks, focusing on improving productivity, quality, and compliance in tea cultivation.
Key Activities in September 2025
- Government Schemes and FPO Formation
Two new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were formed, bringing together 472 STGs to collectively access input and equipment subsidies under the Tea Board of India’s promotional schemes. The FPOs received assets worth ₹24,48,050, including tea harvesters, sprayers, pruning machines, grass cutters, plucking baskets, crates, leaf-carrying vehicles, weighing scales, and IT equipment. This intervention has significantly improved growers’ efficiency, reduced production costs, and promoted mechanization in tea farming.
- Mechanized Plucking Demonstration
Training sessions on mechanized plucking and plucking shear usage were organized in North Bengal and Tinsukia, with participation from 47 STGs. The sessions emphasized maintaining plucking intervals, quality of harvested leaves, and efficient coverage of tea gardens—addressing labor shortages and improving productivity.
- Beneficiary Empowerment and Identity
17 STGs received their Tea Board Biometric Cards, formalizing their status as certified small tea growers and enabling access to future government support and subsidy schemes.
- Entrepreneurship and Diversification
To promote livelihood diversification, several STGs have initiated new ventures:
- Mushroom cultivation (5 STGs – Karbi Anglong)
- Low-cost piggery units (13 STGs – Assam)
- Poultry farming (27 STGs)
- Goat rearing (5 STGs)
- Arecanut plantation (5 STGs)
In addition, market linkages for king chili were facilitated for 137 growers, enabling better price realization and direct marketing.
- Community Relief Initiative
When flash floods struck Golaghat district (Assam) in early September, the project team swiftly supported 36 affected families (140 individuals). Under the leadership of AEM Gerald Minj, flood victims were evacuated and provided with essential rations, hygiene supplies, and medical aid. This proactive response reinforced community trust and demonstrated the project’s commitment to farmer welfare beyond regular interventions.
Impact & Outcomes
- 2,447 small tea growers reached across Assam and North Bengal.
- 472 growers organized into two new FPOs for collective strength.
- ₹24.48 lakh worth of assets distributed under Tea Board schemes.
- Improved adoption of mechanized plucking and safe cultivation practices.
- Enhanced diversification through piggery, poultry, and mushroom enterprises.
- Strong community resilience demonstrated through emergency relief and support efforts.
Archetype Snapshot
| Archetype | No. of AEs | Monthly Transactions (₹) |
| Agri Input | 26 | 13.92 lakh |
| Farm Mechanization | 17 | 2.74 lakh |
| Digital Banking | 12 | 11.49 lakh |
By integrating government linkages, mechanization, and enterprise development, the Better Income Project is steadily transforming the livelihoods of small tea growers across Assam and North Bengal. The program continues to serve as a model of how targeted interventions and local leadership can strengthen sustainability, enhance income, and build long-term resilience for farming communities.
