Tea company, Aman Tea Group, introduces pioneering environmental and Global Agricultural Practices (GAP) program for more than 6,000 small-scale tea farmers.
**Aman Tea Group Launches Groundbreaking Sustainability Initiative in India's Tea Industry**
Aman Tea Group, one of India's leading tea producers, has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainability in the tea industry with the launch of its Sustainability and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Initiative. This six-month program, officially unveiled on July 14, 2025, at Evergreen Dooars Tea Private Unit II (Harmati), is part of the Group's broader "SafeTea, Save Tea" mission.
The initiative, which is the first large-scale private-sector effort of its kind in the Indian tea industry, aims to empower over 6,000 Small Tea Growers (STGs) across North Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. With an annual output of 30 million kilograms, Aman Tea Group is leveraging its vast presence and deep-rooted community relationships to drive real change at the grassroots level.
The program will deliver structured training programs across nine Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs) in North Bengal. The initiative's centerpiece is the deployment of mobile awareness vans, designed to provide expert knowledge and practical training to STGs in remote areas. These mobile units will serve as moving classrooms, offering live demonstrations, interactive sessions, and hands-on learning experiences for the STGs.
A key aspect of the initiative is the fostering of a Lead Farmer Model, aiming to create local sustainability champions. The program also encourages awareness about banned and counterfeit products, and promotes the use of safe, approved alternatives. Aman Tea Group is integrating traceability, residue management, and transparent reporting into its supply chain as part of its larger sustainability vision.
The initiative is being rolled out in collaboration with Trustea and CISTA, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting sustainability in agriculture. The program was flagged off in the presence of several prominent figures, including Rajeev Baid, CMD and Founder of Aman Tea Group. Mr. Baid stated that the initiative is not just about compliance, but about transforming mindsets.
The Sustainability and GAP Initiative is part of Aman Tea Group's "SafeTea, Save Tea" mission. With this initiative, Aman Tea Group is leveraging its vast presence and deep-rooted community relationships to drive real change at the grassroots level. These steps aim to boost global market readiness and reaffirm Aman Tea Group's commitment to ethical, responsible tea production. The initiative also aims to transform mindsets, focusing on safe handling of agrochemicals.
By addressing both environmental and socio-economic challenges, Aman Tea Group and its partners are positioning themselves as leaders in the transition toward a more sustainable and equitable tea value chain in India. The initiative provides on-ground guidance to growers on interpreting color-coded chemical labels, storage, dosage, and disposal techniques. The program's potential to set a benchmark for sustainability in the sector and inspire similar initiatives across India is significant.
In conclusion, Aman Tea Group’s Sustainability and GAP Initiative represents a proactive, collaborative, and scalable approach to improving tea cultivation practices among India’s small growers. By combining the Group’s industry clout with the expertise of Trustea and CISTA, the program has the potential to deliver meaningful, lasting impact—enhancing both the sustainability of tea production and the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.
- Aman Tea Group's Sustainability and GAP Initiative, an essential part of the "SafeTea, Save Tea" mission, is aimed at promoting sustainability and ethical practices within the tea industry.
- The groundbreaking program, which targets over 6,000 Small Tea Growers (STGs) across North Bengal, Bihar, and Assam, aims to foster environmental and socio-economic sustainability through expert training and practical learning.
- The initiative includes the deployment of mobile awareness vans, providing essential knowledge in remote areas, and the development of a Lead Farmer Model to empower local sustainability champions.
- Aman Tea Group, in collaboration with Trustea and CISTA, is integrating traceability, residue management, and transparent reporting into its supply chain, aiming to boost global market readiness and drive a more sustainable tea value chain.
- By addressing issues related to banned products, safe handling of agrochemicals, and socio-economic challenges, this initiative is set to become a benchmark for sustainability in the tea industry.
- The program's potential to inspire similar initiatives and improve the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers positions Aman Tea Group, Trustea, and CISTA as leaders in the transition towards a more sustainable, equitable, and responsible tea production industry.