Darjeeling tea's ticket to Olympics

Darjeeling, July 29 (ANI): The fragrance and flavour of tea from Makaibari (Maize land) Tea Estate in West Bengal, spread out in the mist-kissed hills of Darjeeling, trickle down to the teacups of guests at Beijing Olympic as the company starts sending tea consignments to Chinese Capital.

The fragrance and flavour of tea from Makaibari tea estate in West Bengal, has trickled down to the teacups of guests at Beijing Olympic as the company starts sending tea consignments to Chinese Capital.

Makaibari tea estate is one of the most reputed tea companies in the world. Makaibari is also one of the first tea estates to go organic.

A consignment of Makaibari green tea has already been sent for the Olympics. A total of 333kg consignment, which includes second flush green tea from Makaibari tea estate, worth Rupees 8,000 per kg is to be sent for Olympics.

The fact that the Makibari's tea would refresh the delegates has filled the owner with pride.

"The China tea seeds, saplings were brought to India to Darjeeling and planted about 160-170 years ago. It is satisfying that 160-170 years later we send the tea back to China," said Rajah Banerjee, the owner, Makaibari Tea Estate.

The workers feel that this opportunity will help to expand the tea business.

The garden is spread over 1,670 acres and the total cultivated area is 55 acres. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides have not been used in the garden for decades. And now the association with the Beijing Olympics has added a new feather to Makaibari's cap. By Pallav Basu (ANI)