Study Area
1.1.4. Economy
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Sonitpur district. Tea gardens are next most important feature of economy of the Sonitpur district. There are all together seventy three tea gardens in Sonitpur district. The area covered under these tea gardens is approximately 2,81,660 Bighas.
Monabari near Biswanath Chariali is Asia’s largest tea garden. With an area of 1096 hectares with annual tea production of 2632670 Kgs in year 2000. Borgang tea estate is the 2nd largest with 1018 hectors of a total production 1689941 Kgs. Most tea gardens were previously owned by European companies like Mcneal & Magor, George Williamson Ltd., Mcleod Russel, British Assam Tea garden company, Empire Plantation Limited. etc. However in recent years many Indian owned companies like Tata Tea, Brooke Bond etc. have taken over the ownership of the tea gardens. Apart from the big companies recently small tea gardens with area of 40 to 100 bighas have come up in many numbers near the big gardens. They basically sell tea-leaves to the big gardens who own factories.
| Major Economic Sector: | Agriculture (70 – 80) %. |
| Net Area Sown: | 1580 sq. km |
| Production of Winter Paddy: | 65780 (Hectares) |
| Number of Tea Garden: | 73 |
| Area under Tea Plantation: | 2,81,660 Bighas (Approximately) |
| Major Fruit Products: | Lichi, Pineapple, Banana |
| Major Forest Products: | Timber, Stone & Sand. |
| Major Industry: | Tea Processing, Cane Product, Food Product, Timber Sawing
& Tea Machinery Manufacturer. |
| Village Electrified: | 1249 nos. |
| Total Road Length: | 1825.627 Kms. |
| National Highway: | 208.00 Kms (No. 52) |