Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Makaibari Tea Estate: More Than Just a Brew
Makaibari is a special tea garden in the Darjeeling mountains.
They make a famous tea called Silver Tips Imperial using old-fashioned methods.
Workers are treated well, earning fair wages and receiving support.
They care for the land, using natural methods.
But, they face challenges like changing weather and competition.
Despite these issues, Makaibari continues to make tea in a way that values both the environment and the people involved.
Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling is known for its Silver Tips Imperial tea.
The estate uses natural farming methods and is Fairtrade certified.
Workers receive fair wages, education support, and healthcare benefits.
The estate faces challenges from climate change and competition.
Makaibari emphasizes slow tea production and a connection between people and plants.
- Who
- The Makaibari Tea Estate, its workers, and management.
- What
- Makaibari Tea Estate and its production of Silver Tips Imperial tea.
- When
- The article is based on a July visit with publication on August 7, 2025.
- Where
- Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling.
- Why
- To highlight Makaibari's tea production, sustainability, and community focus.
Makaibari's perspective
Industry Perspective
Production Methods and Costs
Makaibari's perspective
Emphasizes natural farming and slow methods, even if costly.
Industry Perspective
Focuses on more cost-effective production, with better pruning and replanting methods.
- Estate Size
- 588 hectares
- Tea Growing Area
- 248 hectares
- Fairtrade Certified
- Yes
- Worker Wages
- ₹250 a day
- Former Leader
- Swaraj (Rajah) Banerjee family
- Current Management
- Luxmi Group
- Main Product
- Silver Tips Imperial tea