Assam Government Launches Farmer ID System For Small Tea Growers

The Assam government has announced the rollout of ‘Farmer IDs’ for small tea growers in the state, aiming to integrate them into a unified digital registry system that will streamline access to agricultural schemes, subsidies, and institutional support.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the inclusion of tea and plantation land holdings in the farmers’ registry portal marks a significant step toward improving transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. The initiative is expected to create a centralised database where each farmer is assigned a unique identification linked to their personal and landholding details.

Under the new system, small tea growers will receive a Farmer ID that will allow them easier access to government schemes, fertiliser distribution, crop insurance, and other agricultural benefits through a single platform. Officials said the move is also designed to ensure timely, requirement-based supply of agricultural inputs while reducing dependency on intermediaries.

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The Chief Minister stated that the initiative would be a “game-changer” for the tea-growing community, enabling them to directly benefit from government support mechanisms. He added that the system would also improve access to credit on more favourable terms, thereby strengthening the financial stability of small tea cultivators across Assam.

Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika highlighted the historical contribution of small tea growers, noting that they account for nearly half of Assam’s tea production and have played a key role in shaping the identity of Assam Tea. He said the government’s priority is to ensure full digital integration of eligible growers so that benefits reach them efficiently and without delay.

According to Bidyananda Barkakoty, adviser to the North Eastern Tea Association, the initiative could directly benefit more than six lakh people, considering both registered growers and their families. He welcomed the move, stating that the estimated 1.33 lakh registered small tea growers—and potentially more than 1.5 lakh in total—would gain improved access to welfare schemes and institutional support under the new system.

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