How a Diocesan Social Service Society Transforms the Lives of Tea Farmers in Assam
George KJ - November 2024
The story of the Tezpur Social Service Society (TSSS) is one of unmatched success and empowerment, setting a new standard for diocesan social service initiatives. As the social service arm of Tezpur Diocese, Assam, TSSS has uplifted Assam’s small-scale tea farmers in an unprecedented manner. Through the Naharbari Tea Factory, TSSS has transformed the lives of tea farmers in the Tezpur Diocese, gaining recognition across borders and proving that visionary leadership can drive sustainable change.
Fr. Lazarus Guria, the current director of the Naharbari Factory, encapsulates the vision driving this transformation:
"Today, 2,200 farming families supply their tea leaves directly to the Naharbari Tea Factory. This cuts out the middlemen, giving farmers a fair and stable price. Our society stands for justice, peace, and development. We support the disadvantaged, regardless of class, creed, gender, race, or religion, helping the marginalized find a path forward."
In 2016, the late Father Sebastian KV, a compassionate leader of the Tezpur Diocese, witnessed the struggles of Assam’s small-scale farmers, who were exploited by middlemen and large companies paying minimal prices for their tea leaves, pushing many into near poverty. Determined to change this, Father Sebastian organized over 2,200 farming families to establish the Naharbari Tea Factory, a cooperative enterprise that allowed them to bypass middlemen and earn fair prices directly.
Father Sebastian’s vision extended beyond economic benefits; he sought to bring farmers dignity, justice, and a pathway to sustainable living. TSSS, under his guidance, trained farmers in organic practices, formed self-help groups, and provided them with stable market access-strengthening community bonds and ensuring high-quality tea production.
In just two years, Archana Tea, one of Naharbari’s brands, won the “Quality Tea Brand” award at the prestigious 2018 Hong Kong International Tea Fair. Competing globally in the Black Tea (CTC) category, Archana Tea’s success showed that Assam’s small-scale farmers could produce world-class tea.
Building on this success, Naharbari Tea Factory introduced AVANI Premium Gold CTC Tea, a premium brand made from Assam’s finest tea leaves. Sourced from small-scale growers who follow organic practices, AVANI Premium Gold represents the factory’s commitment to quality. During the tea season, Naharbari collects freshly plucked leaves from farmers in remote villages to ensure the rich flavors and full-bodied essence of the tea.
For farmers like Anthony Islary, this transformation is profound: "We no longer feel helpless,” he shares. “Since TSSS and Naharbari Tea Factory opened, we are finally getting a good price for our tea leaves. Our lives have truly changed."
Fr. Dominic VT, a Salesian Priest with nearly 25 years of service in the region, commends this model, noting, “AVANI Tea is highly appreciated. This is how diocesan or charity organizations can empower farmers—by helping them support themselves. It’s a more sustainable approach to development. As farmers receive a profit share, they feel both happy and committed to their cause. Kudos to Tezpur Diocese.”
With support from the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Assam Don Bosco University, the Naharbari Tea Factory has flourished into a sustainable, community-driven enterprise. Fr. Lazarus continues to champion the project’s focus on farmer empowerment:
“This project goes beyond economic empowerment,” says Fr. Lazarus. “It’s about giving our farmers a voice and pride in their work.”
Every cup of Archana Tea or AVANI Premium Gold CTC Tea is a testament to this journey of justice, community, and empowerment. In a market dominated by large corporates, Naharbari Tea Factory stands as a rare example of grassroots success, transforming the lives of Assam’s farmers into one of India’s most inspiring stories-a model for dioceses across the nation.
(AVANI Premium Gold CTC Tea is now available in Kerala. WhatsApp to: 82814 20325).
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