Production Instability, Market Conditions and Worker Well-being in Kerala's Tea Plantations: Evidence from Wayanad

Abstract

Background: Tea plantations in Wayanad operate under simultaneous production, market and labour pressures. Aims: To assess tea production trends and instability in Wayanad, examine plantation-level productivity and market constraints, and evaluate the socio-economic conditions of tea plantation workers in Vythiri Grama Panchayat. Study Design: A cross-sectional socio-economic survey combined with a retrospective analysis of district-level tea production data. Place and Duration of Study: Vythiri Grama Panchayat and Wayanad district, Kerala, India; the primary survey was conducted during the study period, while secondary production data covered 2014-15 to 2023-24. Methodology: Primary data were collected from 56 plantation workers and 40 plantation management respondents using structured questionnaires. Production dynamics were examined using annual growth rates, compound annual growth rate (CAGR), a linear time trend and the Cuddy-Della Valle instability index. Worker outcomes were analysed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Tea production declined from 15,435 MT in 2014-15 to 12,650 MT in 2023-24, yielding a CAGR of -2.19%. The linear trend was negative (-294.85 MT per year; P = .027), with a Cuddy-Della Valle instability index of 7.34. Among workers, 53.6% were over 50 years of age and 89.3% reported an annual household income below Rs. 50,000. Median daily wages did not differ significantly by gender (U = 417; P = .135). House ownership and work experience were significantly associated with wage satisfaction. Climate change and quality standards emerged as the dominant production and marketing constraints reported by management respondents. Conclusion: Recent output recovery coexists with a longer-term decline in tea production and persistent worker vulnerability. Climate-resilient cultivation, quality upgrading, stronger market linkages and improved labour welfare are required for sustainable plantation development in Wayanad.