Papaya can boost income, say experts - Small tea growers asked to reap benefits of alternative crops

[International Tea Day - Media Clipping]

Experts from North Bengal University today said cultivation of other crops in tea plantation could supplement income of growers. As the International Tea Day was observed across the globe today, the Jalpaiguri District Small Tea Growers' Association organised a seminar to apprise its members of the option of growing alternative crops like strawberry, papaya and banana along with tea. "Proceeds from alternative crops can supplement small tea growers' income. In many cases, we have found that small growers face financial distress in case the price of tealeaves goes down. In the past few weeks, particularly after November 9 (when the Centre demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes), the price has come down," said Bijoygopal Chakraborty, the general secretary of the association.