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Research & Reviews : Journal of Food Science & Technology Original Research

Migrant Labor in Tea Plantations: Work Participation and Satisfaction in Cherambadi and Pandalur Region, the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu

  1. Kumara Singam Thamarai Selvi Department of Commerce, R&D Cell, Nilgiri College of Arts and Science, Thaloor, The Nilgiris
  2. Ayyappan Manikandan Department of Commerce, Nilgiri College of Arts and Science, Thaloor, The Nilgiris

Abstract

The present study explored how satisfied migrant tea plantation workers were in the Cherambadi and Pandalur villages, Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India. It uses a combination of research methods, drawing on both primary and secondary data sources to thoroughly examine the factors affecting job satisfaction among this specific group. The primary data collection involved surveys given to 150 respondents chosen from different tea estates in the region. These surveys were designed to cover important aspects of job satisfaction, including working conditions, pay, relationships with colleagues, and opportunities for career growth. Additionally, the analysis was enriched by incorporating secondary data from relevant literature, government reports, and existing studies on tea plantation workers. Software called the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics offer an overall view of job satisfaction levels, while inferential statistics, such as regression analysis, help identify significant predictors of job satisfaction among migrant tea plantation workers. The findings of the study revealed that factors such as fair wages, better housing facilities, health benefits, and supportive management significantly influenced job satisfaction. Conversely, long working hours, limited promotional opportunities, and lack of job security were identified as major sources of dissatisfaction. The results contribute meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge on labor migration and employment well-being, especially within the plantation sector. Furthermore, the study offers valuable policy implications for estate management, labor unions, and government agencies, emphasizing the need to improve living and working conditions to enhance the overall quality of life and productivity of migrant tea plantation workers.

Keywords

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