Tea workers at a garden in Mariani. Picture by UB Photos

Guwahati, Aug. 3: Around 30 million kg of tea from 17 gardens in Assam would be certified under the Trustea code by the year end which would not only improve the competitiveness of the gardens but also help them achieve compliance with national regulations and international sustainability standards.

Two tea gardens in Assam have already completed the Trustea verification process and the process is on in another 15.

“The volume likely to be verified by Trustea from these gardens by the end of this year would be around 30 million kg,” said Gangan Boriah, who represents the Tea Board of India in the programme.

Hindustan Unilever Limited and IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative is funding the programme. Solidaridad, a supply chain company, is the implementing partner for the programme.

The two gardens in Assam that have completed the verification process are Sundarpur and Tyroon.

An official of Sundarpur garden said the Trustea certification should go a long way in helping them achieve their sustainability goals.

“Our surrounding ecosystem is strictly protected by the management and necessary training is being imparted to the workers at regular intervals. Native tree species are planted to conserve the biodiversity. Water quality is tested periodically to assess if there is any contamination because of our operations,” the official said.

He said buffer zones have been created to avoid any pollution and contamination. Banned agrochemicals are totally avoided from being used. “Overall, our environmental performance has improved,” the official said.

An official of Tyroon garden said the programme helped the company further its disaster management practice by working on a much-improved system. Regular training at the factory helps workers understand the urgent need to improve hygiene while working. This was enforced via a uniform changing room at the entrance of the factory and regular washing of hands on entry and exit of the factory.

“We also improvised safer chemical application processes where the safety of workers is paramount. We now have a spraying squad who wear specialised gear to protect them from chemical contamination,” the official said.

“It is expected that the compliance with the code not only improves competitiveness of the tea gardens but also facilitates them in achieving compliance with national regulations and international sustainability standards. The Indian tea code allows producers to show that they operate responsibly, producing quality tea according to strict social and environmental standards. The verification under the code provides manufacturers with the assurance of responsible production and provides opportunities to credibly demonstrate this to their customers,” an official with the programme said.