Guwahati: Is sustainability in the tea sector only about producing good quality tea? The answer lies beyond eco-friendly practices, encompassing social empowerment, financial independence, and improved health outcomes. This was demonstrated when Dikom Tea Estate in Assam’s Dibrugarh district was recognised by the North American Tea Conference (NATC) for their contribution towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—Good Health and Well-Being.
The NATC 2024, held at Queen’s Landing in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, from September 24-26, focused on real-world discussions, moving beyond aspirational goals. It attracted stakeholders from across the global tea industry, awarding several tea gardens for their work in quality and sustainability.
Alongside the conference, the Gold Medal Tea Competition 2024 judged teas of the same origin against each other, with Dikom Tea Estate winning India’s first-ever gold medal for its “Golden Pearl” tea. Additionally, the Tea Sustainability Awards 2024 recognized efforts within the tea industry to further sustainability goals, with the United Nations SDGs being used as a framework for evaluation.
Samar Jyoti Chaliha, Deputy General Manager of Dikom Tea Estate, emphasized the need for a holistic approach to sustainability. “For any business entity to remain sustainable in this competitive environment, it goes beyond quality tea bushes and machinery. Actual implementation of work is done by people, and you need a motivated team with a strong sense of pride and belonging,” Chaliha told EastMojo. Dikom Tea Estate is part of Rossell Tea.
For Dikom, sustainability means a comprehensive commitment to the well-being of both the environment and the people who drive the community. The estate’s approach encompasses health and well-being, economic empowerment, education, financial inclusion, and community development.
Dikom prioritizes the health of its female workforce through initiatives like the SANGINEE sanitary napkin production unit, which addresses menstrual hygiene and reduces health risks. Their focus on promoting SDG 3—Good Health and Well-Being—has garnered international recognition. The use of sanitary napkins has significantly improved the health of women in the community. Additionally, the estate has banned country liquor, and workers are not provided with salt in their tea, both steps aimed at fostering better health.
Economic empowerment is another key pillar of Dikom’s sustainability efforts. Opening bank accounts for all workers—many for the first time—has provided financial autonomy and security. This initiative has helped workers break free from reliance on moneylenders, encouraged savings, and provided access to government benefits, ultimately improving their standard of living.
Dikom’s promotion of savings and financial literacy has also enabled families to invest in their children’s education, reducing school dropout rates and ensuring better opportunities for future generations.
Sustainability at Dikom is deeply rooted in collaboration. Working closely with unions, clubs, and the broader community has created a support system that fosters positive change. Chaliha noted that the support from labor union officials, the Mother’s Club, and the Students’ Union was instrumental in motivating workers to open bank accounts. “They acted as role models by opening their own accounts first and explaining the benefits,” he said.
For Dikom, sustainability is about creating a self-sufficient, healthy, and economically empowered community that thrives alongside the tea industry. By ensuring the well-being of both the environment and the people, Dikom Tea Estate is paving the way for a sustainable future where all can prosper.
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