Kanti Nandi
Senior Program Officer
Digboi,AS
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
7
7
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
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
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
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