Makaibari & its Distinctive Processes
Makaibari literally means corn field: makai means corn, bari means field. This is the story of the corn field that became an iconic tea garden.
Makaibari follows a form of integrated forest management utilizing permaculture where the tea bush is part of a multi-tier system of trees and
plants typical of a sub-tropical rainforest, as opposed to a monocultural farm that grows only one crop. Makaibari retains 70% of its entire area under forest cover.
Only 500 acres of the 1500 acres estate is cultivated for tea.
Harmonious interactions at all stages have created a biotope for many species of animals to thrive here, including endangered panthers, tigers,
birds, butterflies, snakes, spiders A virtual stopover for a tea lover, global traveler, environmentalist,
ornithologist and the ultimate eco tourist.
ORGANIC
Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.
Makaibari’s dedicated organic practices resulted in the first tea estate in the world to be certified organic in 1988.
BIODYNAMIC PRACTICES
We take organic to a higher level by engaging in biodynamic practices – following Rudolf Steiner ‘spiritual science’ for the earth, as a holistic understanding of agricultural processes, including soil fertility, plant growth, and livestock care as ecologically interrelated tasks, emphasizing spiritual and mystical perspectives.
PERMACULTURE
We evolved the diversity of biodynamic principles applying Permaculture, a new approach to best permanent agriculture practices, started 40 years ago in Australia.
FAIRTRADE
Makaibari, has pioneered Fairtrade labelling in 1993.
The Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO), adopted all the ongoing social initiatives for the tea producers criteria in 1993 when Makaibari became the first tea estate under this global umbrella of corporate social responsibility. The social development criteria are multifaceted to suit the harsh climatic conditions prevalent in the steep Himalayan slopes.
Makaibari won the FAIRTRADE innovator award in 2023. Another milestone in our journey of fair trade practices and continuous effort in this direction.