Green Growth in the Tea Industrial Cooperative Societies

By : E. Bhaskaran

Page No: 412-425

Abstract
Green growth is an emerging paradigm in the agro-industrial sector, emphasising environmentally sustainable production, economic viability, and improved social well-being. Tea Industrial Cooperative Societies (INDCO), spread across the Nilgiri district, play a crucial role in supporting more than 25,000 small tea growers through decentralised processing infrastructure. This study analyses the potential of green growth in 16 INDCO tea factories using available data on establishment year, number of growers, acreage, green leaf processing capacity, processed tea production, and bulk tea output. A comparative-literature-driven framework was applied to assess sustainability indicators such as resource efficiency, land stewardship, energy use, waste reduction, and cooperative-inclusive growth. The findings indicate wide variations in productivity and green growth readiness across units. Highcapacity units such as Salisbury, Pandalur, Kundah, and Manjoor show stronger potential for green transformation, while smaller units require targeted interventions. The study proposes a roadmap for green growth focusing on renewable energy adoption, cleaner processing technologies, digital traceability, waste valorisation, capacity building, and climate-resilient smallholder practices.

Author
Dr. E. Bhaskaran, Joint Director (Engineering), Department of Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, India.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2026.66.04.09