Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), through its Tea Next initiative, organised Tea Next 2.0, a focused capacity-building programme for Bought Leaf Factory (BLF) representatives and Small Tea Growers (STGs) in Golaghat, Assam. The event brought together around 256 small tea growers and BLF management representatives from across the region, aiming to strengthen sustainability, productivity, and regulatory compliance in the smallholder tea sector, which has become an increasingly important part of India’s tea value chain.
Tea Next 2.0 focused on improving green leaf quality, addressing Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) challenges, and promoting regenerative agriculture practices. Participants received practical training on pruning cycles, plucking standards, and the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices to enhance the consistency and quality of green leaf production. Expert-led sessions also covered the Plant Protection Code, compliance with the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and adherence to Pre-Harvest Intervals, along with demonstrations on Integrated Pest Management that highlighted non-chemical pest and disease control methods. Discussions further emphasised soil health management and strengthening the climate resilience of tea bushes through regenerative agriculture to ensure long-term farm sustainability.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) and the Trustea Sustainable Tea Foundation, with Trustea supporting the design and delivery of technical training and field activities. Speaking at the event, Ishpreet Singh, Vice President – Beverages, HUL, said small tea growers are vital to shaping the future of India’s tea industry and that the initiative aims to help farmers and BLFs meet evolving quality, sustainability, and regulatory expectations while improving productivity and resilience at the farm level, reflecting HUL’s long-term commitment to responsible sourcing and inclusive growth.
Addressing the gathering, DM Kakoti, Deputy Director of the Tea Board of India, highlighted the Tea Board’s commitment to promoting sustainable tea production through better green leaf quality, mitigation of MRL challenges, and adoption of regenerative agriculture practices. He also appreciated HUL for supporting the holistic development of small tea growers and BLF representatives. Tea planter and NETA Adviser Bidyananda Barkakoty said small tea growers and Bought Leaf Factories form the backbone of Assam’s tea sector and that initiatives like Tea Next 2.0 help strengthen awareness around quality standards, compliance, and sustainable practices, enhancing long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the smallholder tea ecosystem in the Northeast.
Rajesh Bhuyan, Director of Trustea Sustainable Tea Foundation, said the programme is designed as a practical, field-oriented platform that equips smallholders with the knowledge and tools needed to sustain livelihoods and strengthen the integrity of the tea value chain. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Rajib Gohain, 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 felicitated thirty progressive tea growers for their outstanding production of premium-quality green leaf. Tea Next 2.0 builds on earlier engagements with smallholder communities, including a programme held in Dibrugarh in March 2025, and reinforces a collaborative approach involving industry, sustainability institutions, and growers to address systemic challenges in the tea sector while promoting responsible and sustainable growth.
