Tea estates and bought leaf factories in Upper Assam say Trustea, a sustainability code of conduct and verification system, has made them more aware about the environment and health and hygiene.

In Assam, 133 tea estates and bought leaf factories have been verified by Trustea, which addresses some of the challenges faced by the industry. The code enables producers, buyers and others involved in the Indian tea business to obtain the produce according to agreed, credible, transparent and measurable criteria.

The small tea growers and the bought leave factories have improved their quality, productivity and maintain safety standards in tea production after certification with Trustea.

Managing director of Pengreegarh tea company, Anand Goyal said, “After certification with Trustea we have improved our quality.” Mina Moran, a small tea grower of Dulijan village in Doomdooma said, “I am doing tea plantation since 2002 but I have no idea of chemicals used in tea bushes. But after certification with Trustea I know the use of chemicals and fertilisers to use for tea.”

Chitra Chetri, another small tea grower of Tinsukia district said after get certification from Trustea he became aware of wildlife protection. “We don’t spray chemicals in the buffer zone because protection of wildlife is our first priority.”

“It is expected that compliance with the code not only improves competitiveness of the tea garden but also facilitates them in achieving compliance with national regulation and international sustainability standards,” said Kanti Nandi, senior consultant of Action For Food Production (AFPRO).

Dindayal Verma, managing director of Surya Tea Industries, said, “After certification from Trustea, have improved our quality and trying to follow the waste management system.”