Growth and Impact of Small Tea Plantations in Udalguri District

Small tea plantations in the Udalguri district, which began in the early 1990s, have significantly increased in area and number, especially in Bhergaon and Udalguri CD blocks, leading to the establishment of Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs). In contrast, the Mazbat CD block shows slower growth and remains dependent on tea estate factories for processing green leaves.

The higher returns from small tea plantations have led to a decline in areas dedicated to traditional crops like autumn rice and maize. While these plantations differ from larger tea estates in production and market strategies, their rise brings mixed economic outcomes, including empowering small tea growers but also raising concerns about economic sustainability. This shift represents an evolution rather than a complete replacement of colonial-era plantation methods.