Makaibari launches cooperative model to support Darjeeling tea farmers

Makaibari has unveiled a new collective model designed to bolster the livelihoods of small-scale tea cultivators in Darjeeling. The initiative will source organically cultivated tea from farmer cooperatives across the region, creating a direct supply chain that connects growers to market opportunities.

Under the collective framework, profits generated from tea sales will be distributed proportionally among participating farmers according to the quantity of tea they supply. This revenue-sharing approach seeks to incentivize quality production while ensuring smallholders benefit fairly from their harvest.

The move addresses longstanding challenges faced by Darjeeling's small tea growers, who have historically struggled with market access and pricing pressures. By consolidating supply through cooperatives, the collective aims to enhance bargaining power and reduce intermediaries in the supply chain.

The emphasis on organic cultivation aligns with growing global demand for premium, sustainably produced tea. Darjeeling's reputation for high-quality leaf tea positions the region competitively in international markets increasingly focused on organic and ethical sourcing practices.

The Makaibari Collective represents a collaborative approach to agricultural development, potentially serving as a model for other specialty crop sectors across India's tea-growing regions.