Kanchanjangha Tea Plantation (KTE) is located at Ranitar in the remote hilly region of Panchthar district in eastern Nepal bordering the tea area of Darjeeling at an altitude of 1300-1800m. The garden lies at the foot hills of Mt. Kanchenjunga which covers the largest vegetation area with a combination of unique blends of natural factors for the growth of exclusive aromatic tea. The enterprise was launched in 1984 by the local farmers on a cooperative model. Over a 100 farmers joined hands, pooled in their marginal land holdings and became owners of the first orthodox tea plantation covering nearly 94 hectares of land. The land which was barely enough to sustain them is now utilized to produce High Quality Organic Orthodox Tea of the Himalayas.

How to Visit ?

Kanchanjangha Tea Plantation was established with the objective of improving the living standard of the farmers in the remote villages, by increasing income without exploiting/disturbing nature. The aim will be further augmented by selling the tea in international niche markets. In addition, KTE will also play a demonstrative role, encouraging the areas small farmers to grow tea, spices and herbs organically in their barren land and to:

• Protect land erosion and soil degradation and carbon sequestration through massive plantation.
• Practice Organic Agriculture using locally available farm yard manure, green manure and Ayurvedic practices
• Provide social support to workers/ farmers involved in the venture.
• Supply residue free products to the ultimate consumers through specialty tea supply chain, Organic dealers and Fair Trade Organizations.

Message from KTE Chairman
The idea of a tea plantation came to my mind on my way to Sikkim at the age of 20. I had stopped at Phupsiring Tea Garden in Darjeeling with a tea workers’ family. Although, the worker had no idea where the owner lived, the living standard of the workers were comparatively better then my community in Nepal. I thought if all the barren land of the villagers were pulled together, we could establish an even bigger tea garden. We could be the owner as well as workers of our own plantation. The idea was put into action only after a decade and half when we were able to establish KTE. The late King Birendra fortunately liked this idea and granted a loan for it. I really felt happy when my party leader, Mr. Giraja P.Koirala handed over the responsibility to me, to transform the model of KTE throughout the nation and to commercialize agriculture. KTE is the result of continued hardship of my fellow farmers as well as well-wishers - locally and globally.

My joy felt no bounds when a French friend of mine translated a report from a French student, Ms. Fanny from PURPAN University, mentioning what a female worker - Ms. Tara, a destitute, had to say about this plantation: “I would have been begging in the street if there was no KTE”. Similarly, I feel happy and proud when I see Swastika’s daughter (a packaging staff) in a boarding school uniform (Swastika was sheltered in a Church before she joined KTE). I was really satisfied when a Nepali friend informed me that KTE’s product was placed in the renowned supermarket-Harrods, UK.

It is my strong belief that sustainable development of rural community in Nepal is possible only by creating more jobs in one’s own village and this is possible only through plantation of tea, herbs and spices for additives in tea. Standard Production System and Prompt Delivery to the consumer for retaining its freshness are equally important for international trade.

I strongly believe that this venture will not only offer us “Economic return from the market” but also plays a promotional role to control global warming through carbon sequestration. I would like to thank all of the importers, retailers and consumers for their support and would appreciate your feedback from time to time.