The Luxmi Project, implemented by Syngenta Foundation India (SFI) in partnership with Luxmi Tea Company, continues to strengthen sustainable tea cultivation and compliance practices among Small Tea Growers (STGs) across Dirai and Kenduguri factory units in Dibrugarh, Assam.
During September, the project focused on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), chemical compliance, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to ensure quality green leaf production and adherence to international standards.
Key Activities
- Farmer Meetings: A total of 17 farmer meetings were conducted across both factory catchments, engaging 224 STGs on GAPs, IPM, and Tea Board of India schemes that promote responsible and sustainable cultivation.
- Chemical Compliance Checks: Chemical stocks of 145 STGs were physically verified to ensure adherence to safe usage guidelines. Growers were sensitized on the importance of approved agrochemicals, dosage, and personal safety measures.
- Rapid Chemical Residue Testing: Continuing the compliance initiative, 38 random green leaf samples were tested at the Kenduguri factory. None showed traces of unapproved chemicals—reflecting a significant behavioral shift toward safe chemical use.
- Data Verification: The ongoing challan cross-verification process helped trace green leaf supply to authorized sources, strengthening traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
- Awareness on Mechanization: Demonstrations and awareness sessions on plucking machines were organized to promote mechanized solutions for labor efficiency and improved leaf quality.
- Tea Board Scheme Awareness: Growers were briefed on Tea Board benefits and subsidies, following which 74 STGs applied for biometric registration to avail future support programs.
Outcome & Impact
- Increased awareness and adoption of safe agrochemical practices among STGs.
- Zero detection of unapproved residues in tested leaf samples.
- Strengthened supply chain integrity through data cross-verification.
- 74 growers-initiated Tea Board biometric applications post-awareness.
- Encouraged mechanization to reduce labor dependency and improve consistency.
Spotlight Story: Innovation in Action
Jibon Upadhyaya, a small tea grower from Bajipohumara, adopted a plucking machine after receiving training under the project. Earlier challenged by labor shortages and irregular plucking rounds, he now manages consistent harvests at lower costs while maintaining superior leaf quality. His success has inspired neighboring growers to explore mechanization, marking a shift toward innovation-driven, sustainable tea farming.
