| Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling, India, was
established in 1859, and today it’s owned and managed by Rajah Banerjee, the
great-grandson of the founder. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, 5,000 feet above
sea level, the estate extends over 1,575 acres of hills, valleys and forest. Ten years ago, Rajah Banerjee decided to pursue his dream of
biodynamic, sustainable agriculture. It was one man’s lonely vision. The early years
were difficult. The harvest decreased at first and there was resistance to his new
methods. But Rajah persevered - and finally succeeded.
(Picture: Mr. Banerjee - middle on the left - inspecting the new
harvest)
Today, the unique combination of biodynamics cultivation...the soil...the climate...and
the famous "Darjeeling mist" has given Makaibari tea delicate, aromatic,
muscatel flavor that’s prized throughout the world.
Earth-friendly farming...
Almost 1,000 acres of the estate have been preserved as subtropical forest. A wide
variety of foliage and vegetation thrive on the estate which is renowned for its diversity
in fauna-flora and is a popular field trip for visiting European students.
The estate is committed to the preservation of trees- not just on its own estate- but
in the district of Darjeeling, where landslides and soil erosion are an enduring problem.
The estate is also home to many species of wildlife, now protected after years of
neglect and indiscriminate hunting. Leopards and panthers have been frequently sighted,
along with deer, wild Himalayan mountain goats and boar.
Socially responsible policies...
Makaibari employees over 700 workers who live on the estate and call Makaibari home.
They raise farm and dairy animals and sell surplus milk and cheese at local markets.
The workers are also taught composting which helps the biodynamics success of the
estate. The manure is bought by the garden at fair value while bio-gas is provided as a
renewable, non-polluting cooking fuel.
As part of its commitment to Fair Trade policies, Makaibari has developed an incentive
program for villagers to participate in forestation programs. What’s more Makaibari
provides free child care and allows no child labor. It also guarantees employment to
children of retired workers.
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