Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) organized Tea Next 2.0 as part of its Tea Next initiative, a capacity-building program for Bought Leaf Factory (BLF) representatives and Small Tea Growers (STGs) in Golaghat, Assam, involving approximately 256 participants. The program’s goal was to enhance sustainability, productivity, and regulatory compliance within the increasing significance of the smallholder tea sector in India’s tea value chain. The initiative prioritized improving green leaf quality, tackling Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) issues, and advocating for regenerative agricultural practices. Participants benefited from practical training focused on pruning cycles, plucking standards, and the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices to ensure consistent green leaf quality. Expert-led sessions provided insights on the Plant Protection Code and compliance with guidelines from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), including adherence to Pre-Harvest Intervals. Additionally, demonstrations on Integrated Pest Management showcased non-chemical methods for pest and disease control. Emphasis was placed on soil health management and enhancing the climate resilience of tea bushes through regenerative agriculture, vital for long-term sustainability.
The program, in collaboration with the Northeastern Tea Association (NETA) and the Trustea Sustainable Tea Foundation, featured technical training and field activities facilitated by Trustea. HUL’s Vice President – Beverages, Ishpreet Singh, expressed that small tea growers are crucial for the future of India’s tea industry and that this initiative aims to assist farmers and BLFs in meeting evolving quality, sustainability, and regulatory standards, promoting productivity and resilience at the farm level, aligned with HUL’s commitment to responsible sourcing and inclusive growth. DM Kakoti, Deputy Director of the Tea Board of India, reiterated the Tea Board’s dedication to sustainable tea production, improved green leaf quality, and regenerative agriculture practices, praising HUL for its contributions to the development of small tea growers and BLF representatives. Bidyananda Barkakoty, a tea planter and NETA Adviser, emphasized the importance of small tea growers and BLFs to Assam’s tea sector, stating that initiatives like Tea Next 2.0 bolster awareness of quality standards, compliance, and sustainability, enhancing the long-term viability and competitiveness of the smallholder tea ecosystem in Northeast India.
Rajesh Bhuyan, Director of the Trustea Sustainable Tea Foundation, stated that the program is designed as a practical, field-oriented platform to equip smallholders with the necessary knowledge and tools for sustaining their livelihoods and ensuring the tea value chain’s integrity. Attendees also included key figures such as Rajib Gohain, a Board Member of the Tea Board of India, Diganta Phukan, President of the Confederation of Northeast Small Tea Growers Association, and Manoranjan Saikia, Golaghat District President of the All-Assam Tea Growers Association. During the event, HUL recognized thirty progressive tea growers for their exceptional production of premium-quality green leaf. Tea Next 2.0 builds upon previous engagements with smallholder communities, including an earlier program in Dibrugarh in March 2025, and emphasizes a collaborative approach among industry stakeholders, sustainability institutions, and growers to address systemic issues in the tea sector while promoting responsible and sustainable development.