Status of tea cultivation in Nagaland, India

Abstract

The small tea growers of Nagaland produce both orthodox tea and CTC tea. Nagaland tea is known for its unique taste and aroma. Over the years tea cultivation has gained a particularly healthy popularity among farmers of Tuli block, Mokokchung. The research was conducted in the year 2023 to understand the trend of tea production over the last 10 years from 2013 to 2023. A structured interview schedule was employed to collect primary data from a total of 120 tea cultivators from 4 villages (Merangkong, Anaki, Kangtsung Yimsen and Wamaken). A study found that the majority of the respondents were middle-aged and male. The majority acquired education till secondary level, married, medium-sized land holding with a medium level of income from tea. Most of the respondents had training exposure and active social participation. With regards to tea production trends, the study concluded a non-significant linear trend of production under tea over the study period and the area under tea was expected to increase in the coming years. The highest production over the past 10 years was in the year 2014 with 12571.07 kg/ha and the lowest was in the years 2020 and 2021 with 5412.50 kg/ha.