1 day ago
Makaibari launches collective to boost Darjeeling small growers
Makaibari Tea Estate has started a new group called the Makaibari Collective.
It is designed to help small tea growers in Darjeeling sell their tea more easily.
Many small growers struggle to find good markets and receive fair prices.
The Collective will bring their organic teas together under the Makaibari name.
Growers and cooperatives will share profits according to how much tea they provide.
Makaibari will train growers to improve organic tea quality.
J. Thomas & Company will independently check the tea supplied to the Collective.
The program is expected to begin during Diwali 2026.
Makaibari Tea Estate has launched the Makaibari Collective for small tea growers and cooperatives in Darjeeling.
The initiative will combine organically grown teas under the Makaibari name.
Participating cooperatives and self-help groups will receive profits based on the quantity they supply.
Makaibari will provide organic-cultivation training, while J. Thomas & Company will independently evaluate the tea.
The Collective is expected to launch from Diwali 2026, while Makaibari’s estate teas will remain separate.
- Who
- Makaibari Tea Estate, small tea growers, farmer cooperatives and self-help groups in Darjeeling.
- What
- Makaibari launched the Makaibari Collective to market small growers’ organically produced tea and share sales profits.
- Where
- Darjeeling, with Makaibari Tea Estate located at Kurseong.
- When
- The initiative is expected to begin rolling out from Diwali 2026.
- Why
- To improve small growers’ market access, returns, quality, consumer reach and support for organic cultivation.
Key facts
- Initiative
- Makaibari Collective
- Organiser
- Makaibari Tea Estate, operated by Luxmi Tea Co Private Limited
- Participants
- Small growers, farmer cooperatives and self-help groups across Darjeeling
- Existing tea ranges
- Apoorva and Green Valley
- Combined market value
- More than Rs 10 crore
- Profit distribution
- Pro rata, based on the quantity supplied by each grower or cooperative
- Expected rollout
- Diwali 2026
- Independent evaluator
- J. Thomas & Company
Quotes
Rudra Chatterjee
Managing Director of Luxmi Tea Co Private Limited
“Darjeeling’s tea story is not built only by its large and historic estates. It also depends on thousands of small growers and farming communities.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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