We believe that growth cannot be achieved at the expense of the natural habitat and by damaging the social-economic balance. All cultivation practices have to be done in harmony with the nature and maintaining the natural eco-balance. We have taken some steps to make sure that we preserve the natural ecological environment.

Efforts taken to provide tea within the minimum residue limits (MRL) specified by WHO and other international organizations.

Today, for any beverage to have long term sustainability it has to be healthy. Tea by nature’s gift is a health beverage. The presence of antioxidants and polyphenols offers numerous health benefits. With the increasing trend in health awareness in the consumers mind, there has been an increase in demand of naturo-organic products. Our group produces tea in harmony with nature. We practice rational farming technology. We have reduced chemical spraying by 95% and chemical fertilizer by 47%. We are trying to fulfill the entire garden requirements by using organic fertilizers and organic pesticides. Some of the steps taken in the regards to reduce the dependence on chemical inputs are as follows

• Elimination of weedicides use from 2004 onwards. This includes all forms of weedicides like 2-4-D and glyphosphate etc.
• Minimum use of hazardous chemicals. We have reduced chemical spraying in the garden to 10% from its peak. This has been mainly possible because of switching over to organic solutions and also judicious use of chemicals.
• Reduction of chemical fertilizers by 50%. This has been possible because of manufacturing of organic manure such as compost to the extent possible by the garden itself. The garden has also dished out cow loans to its employees to make sure that cow-dung is available.
• Installation of irrigation system wherever possible to improve the bush health. A healthy bush is less susceptible to pest infestation.

Re-invest in the garden to improve the quality of tea.

We have done 127 acres of extension planting in one of our group gardens, in the last 16 years at an altitude of 6000 feet. A rare feat! From these plantations we are producing some of the finest teas in the Darjeeling district. This truly has been a neighbor’s envy. All these steps will bear fruits in the coming years.

The garden has also made fresh efforts in replanting old bushes and replacing them with quality new clones. This will not only increase the quality of tea but also increase the production capacity of the estate.

Shade planting and social forestry

We have enrolled under World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to improve the forest population in the garden. We are planting almost 5000-7000 saplings per year. At this pace we would be able to cover 70-90 Hectares in 5 years time.

Establishment of alternative power sources like hydel power stations

Gopaldhara already has a 50 KW turbine. A study is being conducted to extend it to its peak potential of 90 KW.