Kanti Nandi
Senior Sustainability & Program Management Professional
Digboi,ASSAM
Summary
Program/Project Manager and Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with 20+ years of leadership in regenerative farming initiatives, certification systems, and rural development projects across the tea sector. Proven success in improving smallholder livelihoods, implementing climate-resilient practices, and managing large-scale field programs in Assam and Bengal. Skilled in team leadership, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and M&E frameworks.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
13
13
Certificates
4
4
Languages
Work History
Sr. Program Officer – Small Tea Growers Sustainability Program
IDH – Transforming Markets
, Assam
01.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded the implementation of the “Living Income Project" and created model/Demonstration plots as the learning centers for the dissemination different Sustainable and Regenerative Tea cultivations Practices among the STGs.
- Implemented regenerative agricultural practices including INM, IPM, and organic carbon restoration leading to 10–15% yield improvements and reduction of 25-30% cost of production.
- Introduced alternative livelihoods (King Chilli, Dragon Fruits, Mushroom, Poultry, Piggery) delivering net returns of up to ₹1.87 lakh/bigha.
- Oversaw budgeting, proposal writing, field execution, and multi-stakeholder coordination with Tea Board, BLFs, and farmer networks.
Senior Program Consultant – Trustea Sustainable Tea Program
Action for Food Production (AFPRO)
06.2019 - 01.2022
- Managed regional roll-out of Trustea Code in Assam by training estates, BLFs, and STGs.
- Designed implementation manuals, trained field teams, and facilitated internal audits.
Senior Program Executive
Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP)
04.2016 - 06.2019
- Supported certification and sustainability programs (RA, Trustea) across Assam estates.
- Conducted field visits, training sessions, and M&E for estate and smallholder development.
Senior Program Associate
Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre
03.2015 - 04.2016
- Delivered field support for Trustea code compliance in Northeast India.
- Engaged Tea Board, Indian Tea Association, and other partners in program execution.
Senior Auditor – Organic & Sustainability Certifications
Control Union Certifications
07.2011 - 03.2015
- Audited 5000+ projects across India under NPOP, NOP, EU Organic, Naturland, RA & BONSUCRO.
- Managed Kolkata regional office operations and certification business development.
Project Associate
Voluntary Health Association of India
04.2009 - 06.2011
- Promoted medicinal and Aromatic plant cultivation under the department of AYUSH, GOI and its outreach programs in Arunachal Pradesh.
Manager / Assistant Manager
Karpung & Lalung Tea Estates
07.2004 - 03.2009
- Led full-scope estate management, including field operations, factory processing, and team leadership.
Education
Bachelor of Agricultural Science -
Marathwada Agricultural University
Maharashtra 01.1997 - 01.2001
Skills
Project Management
Strategic Implementation
Regenerative Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture
Livelihood Diversification
Income Diversification
Certification Standards
INM (Integrated Nutrients Management)
IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
Better Tea Cultivation Practices
Soil Health Management
Certification
Lead Auditor, Trustea Sustainable Tea Program – Tea Board of India & Quality Control of India
Interests
Reading Books
Watching movies
Exploring new places
Playing sports like Cricket & Badminton
References
Mr. Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director, IDH, India, kandal@idhtrade.org, +91 98301 16560
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Sr. Program Officer – Small Tea Growers Sustainability Program
IDH – Transforming Markets
01.2022 - Current
Senior Program Consultant – Trustea Sustainable Tea Program
Action for Food Production (AFPRO)
06.2019 - 01.2022
Senior Program Executive
Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP)
04.2016 - 06.2019
Senior Program Associate
Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre
03.2015 - 04.2016
Senior Auditor – Organic & Sustainability Certifications
Control Union Certifications
07.2011 - 03.2015
Project Associate
Voluntary Health Association of India
04.2009 - 06.2011
Manager / Assistant Manager
Karpung & Lalung Tea Estates
07.2004 - 03.2009
Bachelor of Agricultural Science -
Marathwada Agricultural University
01.1997 - 01.2001