The Tea Board launched a large-scale field mechanization subsidy program to overcome labor shortages and included small growers in the board's plan to promote the production of specialty teas.

"The Tea Board pays 18-20 crore rupees to various stakeholders in South India each year. At present, the tea plantations in southern India are facing severe labor shortages, especially in picking high-quality green leaves and various cultural customs. With recent wages The production costs of tea plantations in South India are very high. Labor shortages have led to prolonged picking cycles and adversely affected the quality of tea production,” said M Balaji, Executive Director of Tea Board.

Mechanization of field operations is a way to solve the problem of labor shortage, but the advantages of small growers need to be considered.

"The small tea growers are the main stakeholders. Many small growers produce specialty teas and enjoy good consumer preferences. However, they have encountered some glitches in marketing their products. In areas such as Nilgiris Small growers account for nearly 50% of the total tea production. In order to allow more small growers to be within the scope of the tea bureau’s plan to promote the production and marketing of specialty teas, the Tea Bureau has launched a special package plan to provide small tea farmers with Financial assistance. Balaji revealed that, first of all, a pilot project was launched in Nilgiris district in accordance with the Tamil Nadu government's special zone development plan.

He said that the government of Tamil Nadu has approved Rs 1.21 crore for four plans-special assistance for trimmers and mechanical harvesters (battery-powered); special plans for the establishment of specialty tea boutiques such as organic tea; A special plan for the promotion of entrepreneurship by young tea farmers and self-help groups to establish a mini tea factory.

In the first phase, 275 beneficiaries have been paid 3 million rupees for the purchase of 200 battery-powered harvesters and 75 trimmers.

Similarly, four beneficiaries were provided with a subsidy of 4 million rupees for the establishment of organic tea and specialty tea boutiques, and two unemployed youths from small growers’ families were provided with a subsidy worth 2 million rupees to establish start-ups, and provided subsidies for two Self-employed companies provide subsidies totaling Rs 2 million-the help group to set up a small tea factory has been approved.

"These new projects will be expanded to other regions in due course," Balaji said.

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