Organic tea from Tripura’s Ludhua makes inroads into overseas markets
Agartala: Ludhua Tea Garden in South Tripura’s Sabroom has steadily emerged as a trusted exporter in the organic tea segment, carving a niche in international markets.
Even as Ludhua’s tea gains popularity abroad, consumers in the state remain largely deprived of its rich taste and aroma.
The origins of the garden date back to 1919, when the plantation first began under the supervision of A. K. Guha, then manager of the Chandrapur Tea Company.
Over the decades, ownership changed hands several times before it was registered in 1979 as the Ludhua Tea Garden Workers’ Cooperative Society Ltd.
A major turning point came in 1990, when assistance from the Kolkata-based Fair Trade Organization enabled the installation of new machinery and encouraged a shift towards organic production.
The estate later obtained eligibility for organic certification from the Institute for Marketecology (IMO), paving the way for its transformation into a fully chemical-free garden.
According to garden officials, Ludhua has positioned itself as a dependable producer of organic tea in recent years.
The estate follows a completely chemical-free approach, using organic manure, bio-pesticides, and environmentally friendly practices aimed at preserving soil fertility and plant health.
Two Kolkata-based firms, Jayshree Tea Company and Tea Promoters India, now export Ludhua’s organic tea to markets in West Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Officials said its strong aroma, mellow taste, and 100 per cent organic processing have made it especially appealing to overseas buyers seeking premium and ethically produced blends.
However, this export-driven growth has affected local availability.
The cooperative sends nearly 90 per cent of the total produce to Kolkata for export and wholesale trade, leaving only about 10 per cent for consumption within Sabroom and nearby areas.
The workers’ cooperative, despite financial constraints, has focused on maintaining quality.
The cooperative originally held around 1,252.85 acres, though various groups have reportedly encroached upon parts of this land over the years.
It also donated 21.91 acres to the state government for the development of a tourism centre. At present, the garden retains 398.94 acres, with 95.33 acres under active cultivation.
Workers pluck tea between March and November, producing an estimated 4 lakh to 4.5 lakh kg of green leaves annually. The factory then processes these leaves into about 90,000 to 1.05 lakh kg of made tea each year.
The factory produces three key varieties: Organic CTC Tea, Organic Whole Leaf Green Tea, and Organic Orthodox Tea. Depending on grade, prices range between Rs 300 and Rs 320 per kg.
The manager of the cooperative, Sujit Shil, said sustaining the garden under a fully organic regime depends heavily on the dedication of its workforce, which includes 32 permanent and about 130 temporary workers. Large-scale replantation has been difficult due to funding shortages, he said, but demand for Ludhua tea in global organic markets continues to grow.
He added that the state government has initiated plans to establish an international-standard tourism centre on a portion of the garden land, a project that could enhance both tourism and the brand value of Ludhua tea if implemented effectively.
Workers believe that with greater policy support, investment, and marketing, Ludhua Tea Garden can further strengthen its footprint in the global organic tea sector.