To reshape sustainable tea cultivation in India, Aman Tea Group—one of the country’s largest and most respected tea producers—has launched an ambitious six-month sustainability and good agricultural practices (GAP) Initiative aimed at empowering over 6,000 small tea growers (STGs) across North Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. With an annual output of 30 million kilograms, the group is leveraging its vast presence and deep-rooted community relationships to drive real change at the grassroots level.
This initiative, part of Aman Tea Group’s ‘SafeTea, Save Tea’ mission, is the first large-scale campaign of its kind led by a private player in India’s tea industry. It is being rolled out in close collaboration with Trustea, and CISTA, underlining the power of public-private partnerships in promoting sustainability in agriculture.
The official launch took place at Evergreen Dooars Tea Private Unit II (Harmati), where the program was flagged off in the presence of prominent Bijay Gopal Chakraborty, president of CISTA; Rajat Kumar Ray Karjee, chairman of WBUFSTA; Rajeev Baid, CMD and founder of Aman Tea Group; and senior representatives from Trustea, Abhimanyu Kundu and Sanjay Das.
Over the next six months, Aman Tea Group will deliver structured training programs across its key operational zones—covering nine Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs) in North Bengal. The initiative’s centerpiece is the deployment of mobile awareness vans, designed to take expert knowledge and practical training directly to even the most remote tea-growing areas. These mobile units will serve as moving classrooms, offering live demonstrations, interactive sessions, and hands-on learning experiences tailored for STGs.
The campaign is grounded in real-world concerns—ensuring safe handling of agrochemicals, raising awareness about banned and counterfeit products, and encouraging the use of safe, approved alternatives. Through consistent on-ground engagement, Aman’s field representatives are guiding growers on everything from interpreting color-coded chemical labels to mastering correct storage, dosage, and disposal techniques. Importantly, the initiative also aims to build long-term capability among farmers by fostering a Lead Farmer Model, creating local sustainability champions who will carry forward the message in their communities.
“This initiative is not just about compliance—it’s about transforming mindsets,” said Rajeev Baid. “We believe sustainability starts with the grower, and through this campaign, we’re equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to embrace practices that protect both people and the planet.”
As part of its larger sustainability vision, Aman Tea Group is also integrating traceability, residue management, and transparent reporting into its supply chain—steps that not only boost global market readiness but also reaffirm the Group’s unwavering commitment to ethical, responsible tea production.
IndiFoodBev — authentic, impactful and influential
An English-language food and beverage processing and packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, IndiFoodBev is in its third year of publication. It is said that the Indian food and beverage industries represent approximately US$ 900 billion in revenues which implies more than 20% of the country’s GDP. Eliminating the wastage on the farmside can help to deliver more protein to a higher number of the population apart from generating sizable exports. The savings in soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, energy and ultimately food and nutrition could be the most immense contribution that country is poised to make to the moderation of climate change.
To improve your marketing and grow sales to the food and beverage processing and packaging industry, talk to us. Our research and consulting company IppStar [www.ippstar.org] can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition. We can discuss marketing, communication, and sales strategies for market entry and growth.
Suppliers and service providers with a strategy and budget for targeted marketing can discuss using our hybrid print, web, video, and social media channels to create brand recognition linked to market relevance. Our technical writers are ready to meet you and your customers for content.
The second largest producer of fruit and vegetables in the world is continuously expanding processing capacities and delivery systems with appropriate innovative technologies. We cover product and consumer trends, nutrition, processing, research, equipment and packaging from farm to thali. Get our 2025 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market. Enhance your visibility and relevance to existing markets and turn potential customers into conversations. Ask for a sample copy of our bi-monthly in print or our weekly IndiFoodBev eZine each Wednesday.
For editorial info@ippgroup.in — for advertisement ads1@ippgroup.in and for subscriptions subscription@ippgroup.in
Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
Subscribe Now
