Guwahati, June 26: In move toward building a sustainable tea economy, the Assam Agroforestry Development Board (AADB), in collaboration with the Kaziranga National Park Authority, NEIST, ICCo, and leading tea growers’ associations, hosted a day-long Stakeholders’ Consultation on integrating agroforestry into small tea grower (STG) landscapes.
The event also explored the economic and ecological potential of agarwood cultivation in Assam.
Held at Kaziranga, the consultation brought together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and grower representatives to chart a resilient path for Assam’s over two lakh small tea growers—who produce more than half of the state’s tea but face rising challenges, including soil degradation, price volatility, and climate stress.
The programme began with a floral tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda, marking his 150th birth anniversary as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve and CEO of AADB, who emphasized the role of agroforestry in enhancing biodiversity, stabilizing incomes, and enabling climate adaptation.
“Agroforestry is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. It can transform tea landscapes into ecologically secure, economically diversified systems,” said Dr. Ghosh, highlighting how species like agarwood, fruit trees, and medicinal plants can thrive alongside tea cultivation.
Agarwood—often called the “Tree of the Gods”—was spotlighted as a high-value species with deep cultural roots and economic promise. With over 10 crore agar trees across Assam, the state holds a unique position in the global market for agar-based products, ranging from luxury perfumes to traditional medicines.
Dr. G. Narahari Sastry, Director of NEIST, outlined the scientific and commercial potential of structured agarwood cultivation, while ICCo Executive Director Alay Barah stressed agroforestry’s role in reducing human-animal conflict in tea garden fringes through nature-based solutions.
Key tea industry representatives, including Mr. Rajen Bora of the All Assam Small Tea Growers’ Association and Manisha Sharma of the North Eastern Tea Association, provided ground-level insights and policy suggestions to scale agroforestry adoption.
A ceremonial distribution of agarwood saplings to small growers symbolised the beginning of grassroots action.
Addressing the gathering, Assam’s Revenue and Climate Change Minister Keshab Mahanta underscored the urgency of mitigating climate change and human-wildlife conflict through sustainable land-use practices. MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering small tea growers and supporting agroforestry-based diversification.
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