India is the second biggest tea producer worldwide and the State of Assam is one of its most important tea growing regions accounting for more than 50 per cent of tea production in the country. The small tea growers account for more than 40 per cent of Assam’s total tea production. Most small tea growers still practise traditional tea growing methods and some tea growers have slowly shifted back to traditional and more sustainable methods considering the ecological and economic benefits of organic cultivation.

The State is not only known for its vast tea plantations but also, indigenous varieties of paddy (such as scented rice), spices, fruits and vegetables. Agriculture forms the backbone of the socio-economy of Assam. Nearly 70% of the population of Assam are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture to earn their livelihood. The majority of the farmers living in the rural and hilly pockets of the North-East are yet to introduce chemical fertilisers and pesticides in the farming practices and still continuing with the ingenious farming methods. Fortunately, Assam along with the other parts of the North Eastern Region (NER) is naturally blessed with fertile soil and agriculture-based climatic conditions which pave the way for the farmers of the land to explore the potentiality of organic farming considering the huge global organic market.

Though challenges are huge, the Government of Assam in cooperation with the government of India have taken many initiatives to promote organic farming in the state. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD) etc. are some of the schemes in the direction towards making Assam an organic hub.The government of Assam under the ‘Chief Minister’s Organic Farming Scheme’ a total of 300 hectares of land have been brought under organic cultivation and 8100 hectares of land of the state have converted to organic production under the scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana (PKYV) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER) involving 11923 in different districts of Assam.

To be recognised as organic, farmers and producers in Assam need to adhere to specific organic farming standards and obtain certification from relevant authorities. The certification process ensures that the produce is grown without the use of harmful chemicals or genetically modified  organisms. Established standards are set for the production of agricultural products, including tea production. This also helps towards improving the lives of the farmers as well as their environment.

The demand for organic products is on the rise globally, and Assam’s organic farmers are benefitting from this trend. Organic produce from Assam is finding its way to the global markets due to its high quality and environmentally friendly practices. While there has been progress in organic farming in Assam, there are also challenges. These include issues related to certification costs, ensuring proper infrastructure, and educating farmers about the benefits and practices of organic agriculture.

Assam’s journey towards becoming an organic  cultivation State is ongoing, and it reflects the broader trend in India and worldwide towards sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. Organic cultivation not only helps conserve the environment but also provides healthier and chemical free food options for consumers.

References:

1. Directorate of Agriculture, Govt. of Assam. (2021). Certified Organic Farming.pdf.

   Retrieved from

   https://diragri.assam.gov.in/: https://diragri.assam.gov.in/sites/default/files/swf_utility_folder/departments/diragri_medhassu_in_oid_4/do_u_want_2_ know/CERTIFIED%20ORGANIC%20%20FARMING.pdf

2. Das Debashis, “Government of Assam initiatives towards Organic Agriculture”, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Assam University, Assam, India.
3. Organic Cultivation and Farm Entrepreneurship: a case of small tea growers in rural Assam, India. Retrieved from

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21683565.2019.1646373