The idea of a tea plantation came to my mind on my way to Sikkim at the age of 15. I had stopped at Phupsiring Tea Garden in Darjeeling with a tea worker’s family. Although the worker had no idea where the owner lived, the living standard of the workers was comparatively better than that of my community in Nepal. I thought if all the uncultivated land of the villagers were pooled 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 a half when we were able to establish KTE. Late King Birendra fortunately liked this idea and gave the instruction to grant a loan for it. I really felt happy when my party leader, Mr. Girija Prashad Koirala (the Then Prime Minister) handed over the responsibility to me to duplicate the model of KTE throughout the nation and to commercialize agriculture by formulating KTE has emerged as the “perfect business model” for community development and proven concept of poverty reduction at grass root level. KTE has crossed its 26th year with many important accomplishments and significant achievements. KTE initiated the concept of organic farming in tea plantation and is the first organic certified tea garden in the country. At KTE, we always believe in doing the same thing in a different and better way for social as well as overall change and that is what makes KTE different from other tea industries in the country. Accepting new challenges and initiating new ideas was KTE’s most outstanding feature which led to KTE producing its first “Nepal Organic Green Tea”, the first such “Organic” and “Green” tea to be produced in Nepal.
I personally feel, among my 9 children, KTE is the oldest one. For me, it is more than my family as I have devoted my whole life, time, money and myself to the development of this new model of “Co-operative Garden” and there are other 100 farmers like me who have done the same. KTE will always follow “The Co-operative Model- where the employees are the owners”, no matter how successful it may be. Therefore, we are excited about the future and believe that KTE will serve as a unique and innovative role for the development of the nation in the days ahead.
Finally, I would like to extend my hearty gratitude to Mr. DIlli Baskota, who has been the instrumental leader in implementing “Organic Farming” methodology in our garden and the quality control. I have great regards and respect to the Board of Directors and to all the small farmers, who have shown faith and trust in my vision and I’ll continue to seek their trust and cooperation in the future as well. I will never forget the unconditional support in creating a new market for KTE from the promoters of SAW, Ms. Doma Lama, the dynamic lady Chairperson, Mr. Lobsang Lama, the Managing Director and Mr, Sonam Lama as well. I would also like to thank each and every staff of KTE as well as Sangrila Agro World (SAW) who have and are working continuously with motivated efforts for the successful operation of KTE. Last but not the least, I would like to thank all of the importers, retailers and consumers for their support and would appreciate your feedback from time to time.
Deepak Prakash Baskota
Chairman