On this International Women's Day, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions of women around the world. In India, women have played a vital role in shaping the country's economy and culture, especially in the tea industry.

The tea industry in India is the single largest employer of female labor; they are also among India's poorest-paid agricultural workers 

The tea industry is India's second-largest employer, providing jobs for over 3.5 million people. In Assam, a state in northeast India, the tea industry employs around 1.2 million permanent workers, with the majority being women. These women are highly skilled in the delicate task of plucking tea leaves, and their nimble fingers are considered the best for the job. Despite their valuable contributions, they remain some of India's poorest-paid agricultural workers.

One such woman is Aala, a tea leaf picker, who raised (nanny) Bahniman Kakati, the co-founder of TeaOrb. Her dedication and hard work in the tea industry not only supported her family but also shaped the person Bahniman Kakati is today. On this International Women's Day, we extend our greetings to all the women who have made sacrifices for their families and loved ones, especially those working in the tea industry.

TeaOrb, founded by Jayanta Kakati and Bahniman Kakati, is taking a multipronged approach to improving the tea industry in India. The organization is fighting to end human trafficking, reduce carbon emissions, and provide better healthcare for tea workers, especially women. Their efforts to empower those working in India's tea industry and provide them with more equitable wages and working conditions are essential in helping the country become more self-sufficient and prosperous.

One of the significant challenges facing the tea industry in India is the exploitation of women workers. Due to their lower wages and fewer employment opportunities, women often face discrimination, harassment, and even trafficking. TeaOrb is working to combat these issues by providing a better wage to tea workers and improving their living standards thereby insulating them from enslavement and creating alternative ways to help the sustainability of workers in the unorganized sector by giving them the facility to learn and earn together through recreational activities which will improve both their mental and physical health. 

Another significant challenge facing the tea industry in India is its impact on the environment. Tea cultivation requires vast amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to soil erosion and contamination of water resources. TeaOrb is addressing these issues by promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing carbon emissions. They are also working to develop new technologies that reduce the environmental impact of tea production.

Finally, TeaOrb is working to improve healthcare for tea workers by replacing a hazardous traditional system including a change to improve health and providing support to those who need it.

How Teaorb is Empowering Tea Producers and Workers through Technology

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, consumed by millions every day. However, the story behind the tea we drink is often overlooked. In many parts of the world, including Northeast India, where TeaOrb operates, tea pickers and producers face immense challenges, including poverty and human trafficking.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 30 million people are enslaved worldwide, and poverty is one of the primary reasons for this. The tea industry is no exception. Tea pickers in Northeast India, for instance, are paid very little for their labor, making them vulnerable to human traffickers who promise better wages. This has created a vicious cycle of poverty, exploitation, and abuse that has lasted for generations.

TeaOrb believes that technology can be an enabler for positive change. They have created a food and beverage hybrid e-commerce marketplace for producers from Northeast India to deliver their finest and freshest produce directly to consumers worldwide. Minimizing the roles in the supply chain increases the payment capacity for a better wage to tea workers and disrupts human trafficking.

TeaOrb is empowering tea producers and workers in Northeast India to take control of their own livelihoods. By directly connecting them with consumers, they are bypassing the middlemen who often take a large share of the profits. This means that tea producers can fetch a better price for their teas, while workers can earn a better wage for their labor.

Moreover, TeaOrb is committed to promoting sustainability and ethical practices in the tea industry. They work only with tea producers who follow sustainable and ethical practices, ensuring that their teas are of the highest quality and are produced in a way that is environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

In addition to promoting sustainability and ethical practices, TeaOrb is also committed to promoting health and wellness among tea workers. During the British era, tea workers were served tea with salt, popularly known as Chai Pani. This practice was believed to help them replace the essential salts in their body, which they lost through sweating while working in the scorching heat and humidity of the tea gardens.

However, this tradition became a health hazard as workers became addicted to it. This addiction added to hypertension, stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy, edema, and other kidney-related diseases.TeaOrb is committed to replacing this hazardous traditional system with proper health or energy drinks so that tea workers can stay healthy and happy.

In conclusion, the organization believes that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change in the tea industry. By connecting tea producers and workers directly with consumers, they are promoting sustainability, ethical practices, and fair wages. Moreover, they are committed to promoting health and wellness among tea workers, replacing hazardous traditions with healthy alternatives.

TeaOrb hopes to create a better future for tea producers and workers in Northeast India and beyond. The tea industry in India is one of the country's most significant employers, with women playing a vital role in its success. On this International Women's Day, let's recognize the contributions of these women and support organizations like TEAORB that are working to empower and improve the lives of tea workers in India. With their help, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.