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KOKRAJHAR: Grameen Sahara, in collaboration with the department of Agriculture, Kokrajhar, organized a day-long training programme on “Adopting Natural Farming Practices for Small Tea Growers (STGs)” at the Goraimari Youth Club, Tipkai, in Kokrajhar district today.
The training was attended by 23 STGs from Goraimari and Dudumari villages, along with Keshab Kumar Brahma, President of the Tipkai Small Tea Growers Association. Dr Subhankar Roy, an officer from the District Agriculture Office, served as the resource person for the event.
The programme commenced with a brief introduction, followed by comprehensive discussions on key aspects of Natural Farming. Dr Roy highlighted crucial components such as Beejamrit (natural seed treatment) and Jivamrit (techniques to enhance soil fertility and boost the productivity of fine tea leaves). He also elaborated on the preparation of natural fertilizers and organic pesticides, with a special emphasis on government-promoted organic solutions like Brahmasthra and Neemasthra, detailing their preparation methods and applications. The participants were trained on compost pit preparation and vermi composting techniques, supplemented by a live demonstration on setting up a vermi bed.
As a part of the initiative to encourage natural farming, vermi beds were distributed among selected participants, enabling them to produce their own natural fertilizers such as compost, vermi compost, and vermi wash.
Through this collaborative effort with the Agricultural Department, Grameen Sahara aims to empower small tea growers with sustainable farming practices to enhance tea leaf productivity, secure better market rates, and minimize chemical residue usage.
Grameen Sahara is a Not-for-Profit Organization which from its very inception has been engaged in the promotion and strengthening of sustainable livelihoods, and to improve the quality of life of the poor and disadvantaged people in rural, semi-urban and urban areas through development and livelihood promotion actions and support.
Grameen Sahara is promoting ‘SusTAIN – Sustainable Tea Leaf Production through Agro-ecological Intervention’ in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Currently, a total of 84 Small Tea Growers (STGs) across three blocks-Debitola, Titaguri, and Gossaigaon- in Kokrajhar district are associated with Grameen Sahara.
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