A Study on Maximization of Land Use with Associated Crops Other Than Tea and Management

Abstract

Much of the lands of the tea estates of Bangladesh are not suitable for tea production due to some soiland topographical constraints, therefore remains unused. Present study explores the status of maximization of the land under the jurisdiction of Mulnicharra Tea Estate (MTE), the first commercial tea estate in Bangladesh, with various associated crops and tea. Data were collected by observation of various land use patterns in the field, direct measurement of different parameters of associated crops and interviewing estate labors and officials. Results revealed that associated crops played an imperative role in proper utilization of available lands and in earning revenue. Of the 1008.52 hectares (ha) area of MTE, 600 ha (60%) was covered by tea, 354.92 ha (35.19%) by associated crops other than tea, 42.50 ha (4.21%) by infrastructure, and the rest 11.10 (1.10%)was vacant.Total revenue earned from tea and other associated crops were US $ 5266936 of which 64.62% (US $ 3403323) came from the tea while 35.38% (US $ 1863613) came from the associated crops and other land uses. Cultivation of associated crops can be a good prospect for maximumutilizationof the landed property of the tea estates of the country to increase revenue in one hand andincrease the health of the tea ecosystem on the other hand.