Quality upgrade for BLFs in Assam & Value Creation for STGs

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PROJECT PROPOSAL 2022-23

In Partnership with

Hindustan Unilever

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Last one year of working with the supply chain in selected Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs)- the actual area of concern is the health of the bush and proper pruning can effectively direct the tea plucked towards quality improvement.

The project aims to sustainably transform plucked tea sourced by BLFs through knowledge led interventions. Here it is also important to understand that fine leaf is not the only criteria for quality teas, focus has to be shifted to Pruning Cycle(3-4 years) with correct stem thickness and correct tipping level. The engagement with small farmers should start from October to allow visible results.

The proposal shares a solution to achieve project goal as requested by Hindustan Unilever Limited covering scope of work, training areas, capacity building, implementation, training module, training topics, training calendar, and, KPIs at BLF & SHFs level.

SCOPE OF WORK

A Quality Upgradation Project covering 12 Bought Leaf Manufacturing Units BLFs selected would essentially be producing 200 + lacs. Made tea and covering 10000 + small tea growers

Establishing at least two model farms for each BLF conduct on site weekly/monthly training

TRAINING AREAS

All farmers have their own version of what it means to be a good farmer. For many farmers, a large portion of their identity is defined by the high input, high output production systems they manage. However, the unintended consequences of highly productivity systems are often increased soil erosion, increased chemical usage and unmeasured output.

The project would aim to inculcate conservation approach and rebalance the production-conservation meanings to the current tea practices at SHG level. The different levels of Training areas to be tapped:

1. Tea growing practices, essentially replicating estate level practices at low cost
2. Plucking and pruning - by hand or by using shears
3. GL handling and transportation
4. Soil testing
5. Introducing digital learning and accounting
6. Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to reduce chemical usage and IPM
7. Good Handling Practices (GHPs) to avoid quality damage
8. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) at the factory level
9. A special training/demonstration for Tea Unit Owners on “WHY INVEST IN QUALITY?”

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RESOURCES REQUIRED

Manpower- The team to have -

1. Director- 01
2. Sr. Consultant - 02
3. Field Executive – 12
4. Part Time HO resources:

1. Accountant

2. Website Maintenance Staff

3. Content Developer

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Technology- These can be a mix of collaborative partnership as well as leased software or hardware

1. tracetea for enrollment of SHGs and Agents and traceability
2. TragNext for fine leaf counting and mapping the quality parameters
3. SMS portal for reaching out to the program partners with constant updates/reminders on GAPs/GHPs/GMPs

GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS TO BE COVERED

Since it is a pilot project to ensure best results with minimum travel challenges and better utilization of available resources, any one of the following clusters can base the pilots:

1. Tinsukia/Dibrughrh
2. Jorhat/Golaghat
3. Doomdooma /Digboi
4. North Bank

Local project resource will be residents of these areas

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