Assam: Tea Growers of Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Trained in Handmade Tea Processing by Aaranyak

GUWAHATI-  In a bid to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and promote Assam’s rich tea heritage, leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak completed two training sessions on handmade tea processing in the Diring River Basin, Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKL).

The programme trained 12 new participants and three refresher growers from Sivoram Terang and Sarbura Singnar villages, equipping them with practical skills in plucking, withering, rolling, drying, and quality evaluation of handmade tea. The hands-on training was conducted by Mina Tokbipi, a local tea expert from Englepathar village.

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Participants expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. Jevilyn Hansepi, a returning trainee, said, “I had taken the training before but forgot some steps. Coming back helped me regain confidence and improve my tea-making skills.”

First-time trainee Rani Singnarpi added “This training will help our households and boost our local economy. We’re grateful to Aaranyak for the opportunity.”

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Trainer Mina Tokbipi commended the growers’ dedication, noting the training would empower them to produce premium handmade teas while preserving the region’s legacy.

The initiative, organised by Avinash Phangcho and Moromi Nath with support from Uttaran Dutta, aligns with Aaranyak’s broader vision of promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing livelihoods across the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong and Manas landscapes. It is supported by IUCN–KfW and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Plans are underway to replicate similar training in other villages, further strengthening the handmade tea industry in Assam.