Kanchanjangha Tea Estate

Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Centre (KTERC) is located at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, in the village of Phidim in Nepal. It borders the famous tea regions of Darjeeling (India) and Illam (Nepal). As a result, the village enjoys the best of both worlds as well as the pristine climatic conditions of the Himalayas. Some unique teas are produced here thanks to its high altitude (1300 – 1800 metres), pollution-free environment and pristine weather.

HISTORY OF THE ESTATE

At the age of 15, Mr Deepak Prakash Baskota, from the village of Phidim, visited some areas in Darjeeling (India). He was deeply impressed by the local tea gardens and the high standard of living of the tea workers. He returned to his village in Nepal, determined to improve the living conditions and basic needs of the people in his village. Years later, and without any prior knowledge about tea, he sought help from specialists in Darjeeling, brought tea seeds and clones and started a new farming technique now known as ‘Organic Farming’. Thus, in 1984, the Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Centre, the first organically certified tea garden in Nepal, was born, thanks to Mr Deepak Prakash Baskota.

"I am convinced that sustainable development of rural communities in Nepal is only possible by creating more jobs in one's own village instead of outsourcing villagers for work. This is possible through agricultural development. An example is the planting of large fields of tea, herbs and spices."

Deepak Prakash Baskota

Kanchanjangha Tea Estate

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

KTERC, meanwhile, is not only a typical tea factory, but also a social enterprise. Here, they go beyond just creating a sustainable tea growing society. The farmers here are not only employees, they can also become owners through a cooperative model. Today, more than 150 farmers are employed directly and 400 indirectly by KTERC. More than 70% of the workforce is made up of women.

Farmers receive free housing, along with all basic amenities, and subsidies on food supplies. KTERC continuously raises farmers’ living standards, they fight against discrimination and children receive education.

SUSTAINABILITY

KTERC is also at the forefront of sustainability. Here are a few examples:

They build sustainable eco-houses that have a dual purpose. On the one hand, they accommodate four families each. On the other, they serve as storage for the freshly picked tea leaves.
An inspector from NASAA inspects the plantation every year to ensure organic soil. Innovation as well as advice from the research team maintain soil fertility.
The factory building is expanded by two rooms to allow better quality control.

"Nepali teas, though as valuable as tea from Darjeeling, have not yet found their identity. I am here to establish that identity and take it to the next level."

Nishchal Banskota

Nepal Tea Collective

NEPAL TEA COLLECTIVE

Nepal has excellent tea gardens where they produce delicious teas. Unfortunately, more than 80 per cent of this tea is sold unbranded by numerous foreign middlemen and wholesalers around the world. Prices come under pressure, traders make a lot of money, farmers’ income drops.

KTERC markets its tea internationally through Nepal Tea Collective, founded by Nishchal Banskota, son of Mr Deepak Prakash Baskota. Its mission is to lift farmers out of poverty by selling their organic tea directly to consumers around the world. It wants to make the whole chain more transparent, traceable and effective. Something we at Tea Kulture are happy to contribute to!