Effect of Labour Productivity on Overall Tea Productivity in case of Small Tea Growers: A Study of Golaghat District in Assam

Abstract

The contribution of labour is vital in a labour-intensive production organization. The continuous growth of the farm is ensured by the labours participation. In recent years, the tea industry is facing an unexpected situation of labour supply which can be considered the problem due to changing dynamics. The emergence of small tea growers in place of an earlier form of large estates in the tea growing district of Assam seems to be prominent and a significant supplier of green leaves. It is observed that, it is over 23000 registered small tea growers under Tea Board of Indiathose who are by definition hasa plantation area of 10.12 ha or below and the question of labour productivity to the total tea productivity is of paramount importance. The study was conducted as descriptive by nature and a questionnaire was administered to extract the labour productivity in two ways such as man day plucking of labour and input –output ratio of labour to assess its contribution. Data collected was analysed to find out the correlation between labour productivity to the total productivity and whether the variances in between total productivity and labour productivity is similar. The study has concluded that although variations in the labour productivity and total productivity of tea are equal, they maintain a low correlation. In this regard, recommendations can be put forward like better skill formation of labour along with more stimulating benefits to them to boost motivation for ensuring growth and performance for small tea growers in Golaghat district of Assam.