Agriculture in and around Jorhat is synonymous with tea. The region produces some of the finest orthodox and CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) teas in the world. The sector is supported by the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, which pioneers innovations in crop yield, pest management, and tea processing.
Beyond tea, the fertile alluvial soil of the Brahmaputra valley supports extensive cultivation of paddy (rice), which is the staple food of the region. Mustard, pulses, and various seasonal vegetables are also widely grown. The rural areas surrounding the city have a strong tradition of homestead forestry, bamboo cultivation, and small-scale fisheries, which supplement local food production and incomes.