Assam’s Karbi Anglong Women Turn Traditional Tea into Livelihood

Women in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district have begun a collective effort to process traditional tea leaves, turning a cultural practice into a source of income. The initiative brings together dozens of local women who harvest, wither, roll and dry the leaves using methods passed down through generations.
The group received training on quality control and market‑linkage from a regional agricultural extension office, which helped them standardise the product for sale in nearby towns and online platforms. By handling the entire value chain, the women reduce reliance on middlemen and capture higher margins.
Early sales indicate that the venture is improving household earnings and providing a steady cash flow during off‑season months. Participants also report increased confidence and a renewed sense of community as they share skills and profits.
The project aligns with state‑level schemes aimed at promoting women‑led enterprises in the tea sector, and officials say it could serve as a model for other hill districts where traditional crops remain under‑utilised.