Updates
16th January 2026: Release of NOVCOM Compost Quality Report
On 16th January 2026 , Kallinecherra Tea Estate released its annual NOVCOM Compost Quality Report based on the estate's large-scale production of nearly 800 tonnes of compost during 2025. To assess the effectiveness and consistency of the composting process, 50 samples were collected from different NOVCOM heaps and analyzed at the Inhana Laboratory in Kolkata, following both national and international quality standards. The results showed strong performance, with 85% of the compost heaps classified as good to very good quality , indicating proper decomposition, robust microbial activity, and favourable nutrient balance. This outcome reaffirms the reliability of the NOVCOM composting system and highlights its critical role in supporting soil regeneration, sustainable crop production, and Kallincherra's broader Net Zero transition.
15 th December 2025: Release of 1 st Annual Tea Quality Report
On 15th December 2025 , Kallinecherra Tea Estate released its 1 st Annual Tea Quality Assessment Report summarizing a year-long scientific study across seasons. The report evaluated key quality parameters such as polyphenols, flavonoids, total soluble solids , TDS, pH, and included a comparative analysis with other major Cachar estates as well as the estate's own 2022 study. Findings show a clear improvement in tea quality, driven by better plucking standards , reduced chemical nitrogen use , and the adoption of IRF Technology for soil and plant health management. Improved soil biology, nutrient cycling, and bush vigor contributed to enhanced levels of quality-linked biochemical compounds. The report highlights Kallincherra's progress in becoming a model of high-quality, ecologically sustainable, climate-aligned tea production .
12 th December 2025: Release of Pesticide Analysis Report
On 12th December 2025 , Kallinecherra Tea Estate released its season-wise Pesticide Analysis Report , conducted using colourimetric pesticide assay techniques at the Inhana Laboratory, Kolkata . The study compared residue levels across different seasons and benchmarked the results against teas from other Cachar and Assam estates. The findings confirmed that Kallinecherra tea samples showed no detectable pesticide residues , aligning with clean and safe standards comparable to high-quality organic teas. In contrast, the comparative assessment revealed that about 15% of samples from other Cachar and Assam estates exceeded the MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) for one or more pesticide compounds. This report reinforces Kallinecherra Tea Estate's commitment to safe, residue-free production and highlights the effectiveness of its sustainable input management and ecological farming practices.
7 th December, 2025 : Honoring Tradition: Pre-Pruning Puja at Kallinecherra Tea Estate
A special Puja ritual was conducted in the garden on 7 December 2025 before commencing the pruning operations, in keeping with the traditional cultural practices followed in tea estates. The ceremony was performed with full reverence in the presence of garden workers and management executives, seeking blessings for a smooth, safe, and productive pruning season. This customary ritual reflects the deep-rooted heritage of tea gardens, where cultural harmony and agricultural operations go hand in hand.
29 th October 2025 : Renewing NOVCOM Composting Activities for the Coming Season
As we enter 2025, our team has made a heroic and committed effort , producing nearly 800 tonnes of NOVCOM compost using garden weeds and roadside vegetation. This large-scale composting initiative is a key pillar in driving long-term crop sustainability and advancing our mission of becoming India's first Net Zero Tea Estate .
For the upcoming season, compost production has already begun with renewed enthusiasm and higher zeal . The successful adoption of NOVCOM Composting and IRF Technology for soil and plant health management has delivered promising results—early estimates indicate a 10% increase in crop production attributed to improved soil biological activity and enhanced plant vitality. The renewed composting cycle underscores our commitment to circular resource use , regenerative agriculture , and climate-resilient tea cultivation , marking another strong step toward our Net Zero vision.
10 th September, 2025 : Special Vaccination Drive Conducted at Kallinecherra Tea Estate
On 10th September 2025 , Kalinecherra Tea Estate successfully conducted a Special Vaccination Drive under the Government of Assam's public health initiative. The program was organized to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all estate workers, with a dedicated medical team visiting the garden to administer vaccines and provide health awareness support. The drive saw strong participation from workers and staff, reflecting the estate's commitment to employee welfare and community health. This initiative marks another step toward building a healthier, safer, and more resilient workforce at Kalinecherra Tea Estate.
12 th June, 2025 : Visit of the Founding Family's Next Generation to Kallinecherra Tea Estate
On 12th June 2025 , Kallinecherra Tea Estate had the honour of welcoming the granddaughter of the estate's original owners, accompanied by her husband, during their visit from the United Kingdom. Their arrival marked an emotionally significant and memorable moment for the garden, reconnecting the present-day estate with its historical roots. The couple spent time exploring the estate's rich greenery, interacting with staff, and learning about the ongoing transformation initiatives—including sustainable agriculture, NOVCOM composting, and the broader vision of developing Kallinecherra as India's first Net Zero Tea Estate.
The visit not only strengthened the historical bond between the founding family and the estate but also highlighted the continuity of legacy, pride, and affection across generations. It was a special day for both the visitors and the Kallinecherra Tea Estate community.
10 th June, 2024 : Partnership for Climate-Resilient, Net-Zero Tea Cultivation
We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inhana Organic Research Foundation (IORF), Kolkata on 10 June 2024 to implement NOVCOM Composting Technology and Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology —proven methodologies for sustainable soil and plant health management that support low-carbon, ecologically resilient agriculture. Both parties have agreed to collaborate in establishing a pioneering Net Zero model of climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable tea production . Through this initiative, Kallinecherra Tea Estate can transition from vulnerability to a resilient, zero-carbon, and commercially viable production system.
This integrated approach—combining ecological restoration with market-oriented sustainability—forms the strategic foundation for adopting the Inhana Sustainable Tea Project at Kallinecherra. The objective is to arrest declining soil and plant health, restore quality, and position the estate as a regional exemplar of sustainable and potentially Net Zero tea cultivation .
16 th February 2022 : Kallinecherra Tea Estate Initiates Its First NOVCOM Compost Heap
On 16 th February 2022 : Kallinecherra Tea Estate marked an important milestone with the initiation of its first NOVCOM compost heap , formally introducing science-based on-farm composting to the garden's soil health management system. This pilot heap signified the beginning of a regenerative approach aimed at reducing chemical dependency, improving soil biological activity, and building long-term sustainability. The successful initiation of this first compost heap laid the foundation for the estate's future large-scale composting program, which would eventually expand into hundreds of tonnes of annual production. This event stands as the starting point of Kallinecherra's transformation toward ecological farming and its evolving journey toward a Net Zero Tea Estate.
12th February 2022: Dr. Das Biswas's First Visit to Kallinecherra Tea Estate
On 12th February 2022 , Dr. Das Biswas visited Kallinecherra Tea Estate for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the estate's transition toward regenerative and scientifically driven tea cultivation. The visit focused on understanding the existing soil health challenges, evaluating field conditions, and assessing the scope for implementing the Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology and NOVCOM Composting .
During the field inspection, Dr. Das Biswas reviewed critical parameters such as soil organic matter status, plant vigour, pruning recovery, and pest–disease dynamics. His discussions with the management team centered around strengthening soil biology, improving nutrient cycling, and adopting ecosystem-based interventions for long-term sustainability. The visit provided a clear roadmap for rejuvenating the garden's soil–plant system using science-led regenerative practices. Dr. Das Biswas's insights laid the foundation for Kallinecherra Tea Estate's subsequent transformation—one that later became a model of sustainable tea cultivation, biological soil restoration, and climate-aligned management.