In what could be reckoned as an unparalleled achievement, the Munnar-based Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Co. (P) Ltd. has received the coveted Rainforest Alliance (RA) certification, a global recognition bestowed upon over 100 types of crops and livestock, such as coffee, tea, cocoa and fruits, for following and maintaining sustainable agriculture practices.
As the world increasingly embraces sustainable agriculture practices, what is all the more laudable is that with its Munnar-based plantations spread across more than 8845 hectares, including seven estates and 16 factories, the sheer size and magnitude of KDHP's recognition also makes it one of the largest tea plantation companies in the world to receive the prized recognition in a single shot.
Since 1987, the New York-based Rainforest Alliance has worked to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior in more than 100 countries, through the promotion of standards developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), a global coalition of non-profit conservation organizations.
The SAN Standard for RA certification consists of ten principles including social and environmental management system, ecosystem conservation, wildlife protection, water conservation, fair treatment and good working conditions for workers, occupational health and safety, community relations, integrated crop management, soil management and conservation and integrated waste management.
"We are delighted to be part of the Rainforest Alliance movement. In fact, what helped us achieve the RA certification in one go was that at KDHP, sustainability practices has always been a way of life, be it social and environmentally friendly practices or the inclusive growth that resulted in the hugely successful Participatory Management System of operations that is foundation of KDHP," said a proud Chacko P. Thomas, Managing Director, KDHP.
"Becoming a Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM company has further solidified KDHP's objective of facilitating the production in a sustainable and equitable manner, while maintaining our responsibility towards the nature surrounding us and our employees who work relentlessly for this cause," he added.
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"There exists now a burgeoning movement among the global consumer to pick a Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM product, which is increasingly seen as a benchmark of stringent quality and sustainability standards," revealed Mr. Thomas. "As the next step, we are planning to make the movement further inclusive by helping the small tea growers in the State also achieve RA certification, which will further enhance and enrich their livelihood and living environment."
One of the highlights of KDHP's run towards achieving the Rainforest Alliance certification has been the implementation of a uniform, Integrated Waste Management Programme. "The Integrated Waste Management Programme was implemented across all sections of the company, with the vision of reclaiming the image of a clean Munnar, which was seen to have taken a back-foot on the tourist map, in recent years. This programme was streamlined and implemented in such a way that the daily waste generated is segregated at source in receptacles of different colours. All sections of the KDHP community have been trained in this, right from school children, and the appreciation has been commendable so far," explained Mohan C Varghese, General Manager - Tea Manufacture and Human Resources.
As part of this recognition, KDHP's Ripple brand of teas will soon carry the Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM seal of the green frog on the packaging, making it one of the few retail brands in the country to sport the seal.