Issue of absenteeism and migration poses a serious challenge to tea estates in Assam: Chairman, Barak Valley Branch, Tea Association of India

Barak Valley Branch of the Tea Association of India (TAI) said that the issue of absenteeism and migration poses a serious challenge to tea estates, with unauthorized absenteeism rates exceeding 50% in some cases.

Addressing at the association’s 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Cachar Club, Silchar he said this persistent trend disrupts operations, creates manpower shortages, and forces estates to resort to costly alternative sourcing methods to maintain their daily functions. “Such challenges come at a time when financial constraints are already straining estate resources. The additional expenditure required to manage this manpower deficit exacerbates the stress on estate exchequers, creating a compounded financial burden.

Moreover, many estates remain uncertain about effective mechanisms to tackle this pressing issue”.
He added that to address this, it is essential to consider alternative solutions that mitigate the impact of labour shortages. One such solution is the gradual adoption of mechanization.

By integrating mechanized processes into operations, tea estates can ensure continuity in productivity and sustain their output levels, even with reduced manpower availability. Mechanization offers the dual benefit of enhancing operational efficiency while promoting sustainable growth. In a labour-intensive sector such as tea production, striking a balance between manual and mechanized processes is crucial for future agility and resilience.

While the transition may require initial investment, it holds the potential to secure long-term stability for the estates.
He observed that Today Tea industry stands at a critical crossroads. Despite India's impressive economic growth, with a 7.6% increase in GDP, our