Migrant Tea Pickers in Kerala, India Struggle to Balance Work and Personal Lives

Kerala’s Economy Relys Heavily on Migrant Workers from Other Indian Regions

The state of Kerala, known for its high emigration rate in India, relies heavily on migrant workers from other regions to run its industries. According to the United Nations, India recorded over 6.63 million people migrating abroad in 2024.

Kerala’s businesses, including tea, coffee, rubber, spice, and coconut plantations, are largely dependent on workers from neighboring or northern and eastern areas of India. The top origins of migrant workers include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

Rajkumar Jani, a 23-year-old botany graduate from Odisha, is one such migrant worker. He works at a tea garden in Wayanad, where he earns his living by plucking tender tea leaves. Jani’s earnings depend on the quantity of tea leaves collected, and he does not receive a salary unless he meets his daily target.

Jani arrived in Kerala six years ago, seeking job opportunities to support his family. He was introduced to the tea industry by his friend Shyam Kalpadia, who also moved to Kerala for work. Kalpadia earns a decent income of 1,500 to 2,000 rupees per day, significantly higher than what he could earn in Odisha.

Employers in Kerala provide additional benefits, including accommodation and provisions, allowing workers to save money for home. The state’s natural beauty, often referred to as “God’s own country,” is also a draw for migrant workers like Kalpadia, who appreciates the region’s lush greenery and pleasant climate.

For Jani, working in Kerala has its challenges, including the hilly terrain and frequent rainfall. However, he finds the job interesting and related to his subject of botany, making it more engaging.

Source: Al Jazeera