Assam: Small Tea Growers In Dibrugarh Celebrate Milestone At 'Krishak Sammilan' Event

DIBRUGARH: The Small Tea Growers Sustainability Program (STGSP) organized a successful “Krishak Sammilan” event on February 5, 2025, in Dibrugarh, Assam, bringing together over 150 small tea growers (STGs) to celebrate the program’s progress and their collective achievements.

This initiative, launched in 2023 by IDH and Unilever, aims to improve the livelihoods of 1,500 small tea growers in Assam’s Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts. The program focuses on promoting sustainable farming methods, enhancing market access, and providing alternative income opportunities for small tea growers.

The event offered a platform for STGs to interact, share experiences, and network with industry experts from the Tea Board of India, Tea Research Association, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and various Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs).

The discussions covered vital topics such as the role of BLFs in increasing incomes and the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to improve the quality of green tea leaves. The event also emphasized how alternative livelihoods could boost income diversification for the farmers.

Jasmer Dhingra, Director of Programs at IDH India, highlighted the significant impact of the program, stating that small tea growers are the backbone of Assam’s tea industry. He praised their commitment to sustainable practices and the resulting improvements in income and produce quality.

Jatin Bavishi, Program Manager, shared that more than 60% of farms had undergone pruning, a key operation for quality tea production. Additionally, over 70% of the growers had diversified into alternative sources of income to support their households.

The event also featured 16 stalls showcasing products from farmers, Self-Help Groups, and suppliers, illustrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Assam’s tea-growing community.

Also Read:

Also Watch: