Location: Haldibari Rural Municipality-02 Jhapa, Nepal
Key Figures: Processing of CTC Tea
Total Garden Area: 15 Hectares
Type of Tea: BOPS, BOPSM, BP, OF, PD, Dust
Total Farmers: 163 of Which 33 Female
The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance farmers' income and elevate living standards by fostering self-employment opportunities through the production, packaging, and marketing of pesticide-free tea facilitated by cooperatives.
Jhapa district, renowned for its predominant paddy cultivation, also sees substantial yields of maize and wheat. However, tea cultivation stands out as the district's principal cash crop. Remarkably, Jhapa is the exclusive district in Nepal where CTC tea is produced within the government-designated tea plantation area.
Constituting a staggering 80 percent of Nepal's total tea production, Jhapa district boasts 23 large factories, 65 expansive plantations, 155 medium-scale plantations, 3,500 small tea farmers, and seven tea cooperative production and processing units. Key tea cultivation areas within the district include Haldibari, Jalthal, Maheshpur, Chandragarhi, Garamani, Mechinagar, Goldhap, Boundangi, Gherabari, and Prithbinagar.
For the past 65 years, the cooperative organization has been acquiring green tea from its shareholder members' gardens and channeling it to the tea processing factory. Aligned with its mission, the organization envisions bringing prepared tea to the market, considering the farmers' interests, enhancing income by supplying quality tea to consumers, and fostering farmer self-employment.
In response to the challenge of tea farmers not receiving fair prices due to the absence of their processing facility, the cooperative organization is committed to completing the construction of its own factory. This strategic move aims to empower farmers to be directly self-employed and ensure fair wages for workers.
Recognizing the positive health impact of unpasteurized tea, the organization integrates the concept of packaging and marketing alongside tea production. Embracing the government's three-pillar policy to commercialize agriculture through cooperatives, this organization actively supports the government's efforts by organizing and professionalizing tea farmers.
In addressing the predicament of small tea farmers, the cooperative organization advocates for a comprehensive approach involving the production, processing, packaging, and marketing of pesticide-free tea through cooperatives. This approach not only addresses economic challenges but also contributes to the broader objectives of health and sustainability.
The cooperative is also conducting various programmes to strengthen the capacity of their member (such as technical training on tea cultivation, cooperative education, and training on financial management). The cooperative is also involved in providing savings and credit services as well as in the provision of soft loans to their members.
Characteristics
- Integration of Packaging and Marketing:
- Recognizing the health benefits of unpasteurized tea, the organization integrates packaging and marketing alongside tea production.
- Support for Government's Agricultural Policies:
- The organization actively supports the government's three-pillar policy to commercialize agriculture through cooperatives.
- Advocacy for Small Tea Farmers:
- The cooperative organization advocates for a comprehensive approach, including production, processing, packaging, and marketing of pesticide-free tea through cooperatives, addressing economic challenges and contributing to health and sustainability objectives.
Product
Introducing the " SKT Sahakari and Kechana" brand, proudly brought to you by the Sana Kisan Tea Producer Cooperative Society Limited. This distinguished cooperative, situated in Halibari Rural Municipality Ward No. 2, has curated a unique tea experience that reflects the essence of quality, sustainability, and the rich heritage of small tea farmers. Notably, SKT Sahakari and Kechana transcends geographical boundaries, with its teas being exported to India and reaching both domestic and international markets. This brand represents not just a beverage but a commitment to excellence, community empowerment, and the rich tradition of tea cultivation. Discover the golden touch of SKT Sahakari and Kechana and join us in savoring the flavors of a cooperative-driven legacy.
