Basamlu Krisikro from Arunachal Pradesh has become a symbol of hope and change. Known affectionately as the “Tea Lady,” her journey from a daughter caring for her ailing mother to a community leader inspiring farmers to switch from opium to tea cultivation is nothing short of remarkable. This blog explores her story, highlighting the challenges she faced and the impact she has made in her community.
A Personal Motivation
Basamlu’s story began in 2009 when her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. After surgery, doctors advised that she drink organic green tea daily to help her recover. However, sourcing quality tea proved difficult. The long trips to Assam to buy tea were both tiring and inconvenient. This challenge, combined with the decline of her family’s orange trees due to climate changes, spurred Basamlu into action. She decided to plant tea in her backyard in Wakro, a quaint village in the Lohit district.
Overcoming Doubts
When Basamlu began her tea plantation, many locals were doubtful. They believed she was making a poor choice by not planting oranges or continuing with opium, a crop known for its high profitability and minimal effort. In a region where opium farming was common, her decision to cultivate tea was met with skepticism. However, Basamlu remained undeterred. She recognized that the dwindling orange production was pushing farmers toward opium as a desperate alternative. The rising local consumption of opium, particularly among the youth, fueled her determination to find a healthier and sustainable source of income for her community.
Building a New Path
With encouragement from Nayil, a local medical practitioner, Basamlu took her mission further by educating her fellow villagers about the benefits of tea cultivation. She offered technical advice and financial support, helping them transition from opium farming to tea growing. Her persistence paid off; within a year, more than a dozen farmers had joined her efforts.
In 2011, Basamlu took a bold step by establishing her own processing unit. This ambitious project required a significant investment—around ₹23 lakh—primarily funded by her husband and two partners. The processing unit allowed her to manage production more effectively and enhance the quality of the tea she produced.
A Growing Success
As Basamlu’s tea plantation thrived, so did its reputation. By 2023, her annual production reached around 8,500 kg of organic tea, attracting buyers from across India and even international markets like Japan and Germany. Her commitment to quality was evident when her brand, Wakro Organic Tea, passed stringent quality checks from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
This success not only provided financial security for her family but also empowered local farmers. Many transitioned from opium fields to tea gardens, discovering they could earn a sustainable income without resorting to illegal crops.
Community Impact
Basamlu’s impact goes beyond agriculture; she is actively working to reshape mindsets in her community regarding drug dependency. Through education and support, she strives to reduce reliance on opium farming and promote healthier lifestyle choices.
Her initiative has fostered a sense of community among former opium growers, who now share their experiences and successes with one another. Farmers like Songelum Bam express deep gratitude for Basamlu’s guidance, noting how switching to tea cultivation has transformed their lives.
Looking Ahead
Despite her remarkable achievements, Basamlu continues to face challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns and logistical issues in transporting her products. Nevertheless, her unwavering spirit shines through as she remains committed to helping others in her community find sustainable livelihoods.
By choosing tea over opium, Basamlu Krisikro has improved her family’s life and encouraged countless others in Arunachal Pradesh to explore new possibilities for their futures.
