Set up in 1859, Hill tea garden takes steps to empower women workers

SNS, SILIGURI, 25 JANUARY 2023:  As an initiative for sustainability, Makaibari tea estate in Kurseong in Darjeeling has been taking steps to empower women, while one such woman, after retirement, has set up a tea cafeteria with support from a joint committee. 

Similarly, there are other women in the garden there who have been working in different spheres. While another woman is inspiring the community by rearing cows as a grassroots entrepreneur, yet another one is actively leading as the sole member of the Network of Asia & Pacific Producers (NAP) Council of Fairtrade Labelling Organization, and who has carved a niche for herself in the annals of Fairtrade's international representation from the estate globally, sources said. 

"Makaibari has a unique system of sustainable holistic agricultural practices that embraces the highest standards of organics, biodynamic and permaculture initiatives," an official of the tea estate has said. 

Notably, Makaibari was founded in 1859, and has the world's oldest tea factory, while it is the first organic and Fair-Trade tea company, and was the official tea in the Beijing Olympics and the Brazil FIFA World Cup. 

It also has a comprehensive programme for schooling of workers' children and health facilities through the Makaibari Joint Body Programme. 

"To better serve its communities, Luxmi Group has continuously worked towards building, education, health and community systems through partner alliances. We are committed to fostering six values related to production of good and healthy food for a healthy, fair and ethical life for humans, animals and plants and to save the beauty and harmony of our magical Himalayan region," said Dipankar Chatterjee, the Chairman of Luxmi Tea. 

"This work extends to sup port not just the workforce, but also other economically and socially challenged communities around the estates. \

Premium sales from the tea packs go into supporting women and their communities across the estates through access to education, healthcare and water with a holistic and sustainable vision," Mr Chatterjee added. 

"Makaibari's finest teas are fresh small-batch blends crafted to reflect unmatched quality. The tea estate is committed to sustainable practices and rights of the earth, along with the continued improvement of rights of workers through partnership with the local serving communities," said Managing Director, Luxmi Tea, Rudra Chatterjee. Founded in 1912, Luxmi is one of the largest global tea companies with 30 million kg production across 25 estates in India and Rwanda with a workforce of 30,000, from plantation workers to the corporate office.