TSHDA-Solidaridad strengthen SL’s smallholder tea sector

• Regenagri, Control Union and Tea Research Institute lead capacity building to advance smallholder sustainability in tea sector

In a major step toward transforming Sri Lanka’s smallholder tea sector, the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority (TSHDA) and Solidaridad, in partnership with Regenagri, Control Union and Nucleus Foundation, concluded a two-day capacity building workshop on the Regenagri standards for tea extension officers. 

Held on April 23 and 24, 2025, at the TSHDA Hantana Training Centre in Kandy, the programme brought together over 50 participants from eight regions, which represent all tea growing areas in Sri Lanka. The participants included the TSHDA senior tea inspectors representing all sub-offices (which are a pivotal point of technology dissemination), extension officers of the selected tea factories under the Pivituru national initiative factory-based extension programme and selected progressive tea smallholder farmers.

The training forms part of the TSHDA’s flagship Pivithuru national initiative, which seeks to enhance tea quality, productivity and sustainability across the smallholder value chain. Regenerative agriculture has been identified as a key strategy to restore soil health, improve yields and build climate resilience in collaboration with smallholder societies and private tea factories.

“This workshop is part of our Pivithuru national initiative to improve tea quality, productivity and sustainability through a value chain approach,” said TSHDA Chairman Nimal Udugampola. 

“This marks the first time regenerative agriculture is being systematically introduced to Sri Lanka’s tea sector through an institutional approach. If implemented with rigour and commitment, this initiative has the potential to become a historic milestone—enhancing tea quality, building sustainability and resilience in the tea smallholder sector and positioning Sri Lanka as a global leader in low-carbon, regenerative tea value chains.”

To support this transition, the training introduced Regenagri—the world’s largest regenerative agriculture certification standard—developed, owned and managed by Regenagri C.i.C, a community interest company headquartered in the UK and operating globally.  Regenagri provides a science-based, economically viable framework that aligns with the TSHDA’s sustainability goals, helping the smallholders prepare for certification while improving their access to sustainable supply chains and premium export markets.

The objective of the programme was to equip the extension officers with the knowledge and tools to guide the smallholders in adopting regenerative practices across the tea value chain. Participants were trained on field level assessments, explored certification requirements and developed rollout plans tailored to their regions.

“Regenagri certification is not just the world’s first and only carbon insetting standard for regenerative agriculture—it represents a transformative pathway for smallholder farmers to enhance climate resilience, unlock new income streams and access future-ready global markets,” said Solidaridad Asia Managing Director Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay.

“We are proud to partner with the TSHDA in positioning Sri Lanka as a pioneer in decarbonised tea production through regenerative practices, setting a powerful precedent for sustainable agriculture worldwide.”

Control Union Sri Lanka Country Director Roshan Ranawake added, “This programme bridges sustainability and certification readiness. Regenagri enables the producers to meet the growing global demand for traceable, climate-smart products—while monetising their efforts through carbon insetting and premium positioning.”

The workshop was delivered by resource persons from Regenagri, Control Union, the Tea Research Institute and TSHDA, offering both technical expertise and practical field insights.