Black pepper cultivation gains ground in Assam’s Tinsukia tea gardens

In upper Assam’s Tinsukia district, small tea growers are quietly embracing a promising diversification. Tall betel nut trees that once stood mainly for tambul now support thriving black pepper climbers, creating a productive three-tier system with tea bushes at the base.

In areas such as Baghjan, Sadiya and Daisajan, farmers are integrating black pepper vines with areca nut trees and tea plants, maximising land use while generating an additional source of income.

“We never imagined pepper would grow so well alongside our betel nuts and tea. It feels like nature’s bonus from the same plot,” said Arjun Baruah, a small tea grower from Baghjan.

The model works with the region’s natural ecology, where the tall areca nut trees provide partial shade ideal for pepper vines, while tea bushes continue to thrive below. Farmers say the crop requires minimal extra labour and investment.

Freshly harvested pepper is already being sold in local weekly markets, with growers optimistic about expanding into larger markets. “The soil and rainfall here suit it perfectly. With proper grading and packaging, our pepper can reach bigger cities,” said Ashwini Phukan of Sadiya.

However, farmers highlighted the need for institutional support to scale up production. “If the government provides quality seedlings, training and market linkages, this could become a game-changer,” said Amar Das of Daisajan.

Experts note that black pepper performs well as an intercrop in Assam’s humid climate, enhancing productivity and providing resilience against fluctuations in tea prices.

With improved access to extension services, credit and post-harvest infrastructure, this emerging trend in Tinsukia is expected to evolve into a sustainable agro-enterprise, boosting rural incomes while preserving the region’s tea landscape.