Talat Ahmed is a third-generation Assamese tea planter who has managed Orangajuli Garden for the past four decades. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, Talat finds his work in tea deeply fulfilling.
A Return to Assam
As a young man, Talat left Assam to pursue an MBA in Kolkata, but the call of his homeland and its natural beauty was too strong to resist. When an opportunity arose to return and manage a tea garden, he knew it was the right choice. Now, after four decades as the garden manager of Orangajuli, he heads a dedicated management team of seven, including four assistant managers, two welfare officers, and a medical officer.
The Orangajuli Garden
Orangajuli Garden is located in Assam’s Udalguri district, near the Bhutan border. The garden, named after the local dialect meaning "people living by a small stream," has been producing unique teas for over a century. Its success is attributed to a special microclimate and high-quality clonal bushes.
A Deep Connection with Nature
“I’ve loved nature and wildlife since childhood. This is the number one reason why I work in tea: you are quite literally a part of nature,” Talat explains. His commitment to the environment extends to his work, where he has reduced pesticide use by more than 70% in recent years. Instead of relying on chemicals, Talat draws on Indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) to implement sustainable farming techniques. These methods, developed over generations, involve natural ingredients like cow’s urine, neem seeds, and young banana leaves to protect tea bushes.
Adapting to Climate Change
Climate change has brought significant challenges to Assam’s tea industry. Orangajuli now experiences less rainfall during colder months, leading to the need for irrigation and increased pest infestations. However, by decreasing pesticide use and encouraging natural predators of tea bush pests, Talat has seen both the quality of harvests and the health of the garden improve.
Embracing Biodiversity
At Orangajuli, Talat's sustainable practices have led to a resurgence in biodiversity. Neem-based bio products have increased populations of ladybugs, butterflies, and birds. He also emphasizes the importance of planting trees around the garden to provide shade and support the ecosystem. Each year, the garden plants up to 10,000 trees, including bokam, cassia, and rain trees.
Living with Elephants
Elephants have become a frequent sight in Orangajuli, a sign of the garden’s thriving environment. Talat has created elephant corridors within the garden and trained workers to coexist peacefully with these majestic animals. The corridors allow both the elephants and the people to live comfortably alongside one another.
The Return of Youth to Tea Gardens
The COVID-19 pandemic brought many young people back to Assam’s tea gardens, drawn by the clean air and the prospect of a simpler life. While not all will stay, Talat is optimistic that some will choose to make a life in tea. He has even started school classes to educate young people about the health benefits of working in a tea garden, hoping that the next generation will carry on the tradition.
A Passion for Assam Tea
Talat’s love for tea is personal. “I’ve worked in the gardens for 40 years and I’ve only ever made my own tea!” He enjoys a light Assam cup with a slice of fresh lemon or lime—no milk or honey. Each of his four or five daily cups inspires him to produce the best tea for Assam and the world.
Celebrating the Women of Assam
“Women are the pillars of strength behind every tea planter,” says Talat. In Assam, where job opportunities are limited, women often sacrifice their ambitions to support their families. At Orangajuli, women play a crucial role in welfare, visiting labour lines and hospitals, and serving on the garden’s anti-sexual harassment committee. Talat is passionate about doing more to celebrate and support these women, both in the gardens and behind the scenes.
Looking to the Future
Despite the challenges ahead, Talat is optimistic about the future of Assam’s tea industry. He is committed to helping the industry adapt to climate change and embrace new technologies. “Even when I retire, I will still work in tea,” he says, determined to use his experience to support the next generation of tea planters.
Talat’s black tea from Orangajuli is a key component of our bold and invigorating Assam Breakfast tea.