Kartick Tea Estate
Kartick Tea Estate, situated in the foothills of the Darjeeling Hills in West Bengal's Alipurduar district, is a distinguished tea garden under Rydak Syndicate Limited. Established in 1898, it has earned acclaim for producing high-quality teas that consistently achieve top rankings at auctions. In the 26th Siliguri Tea Auction in 2023, Kartick Tea Garden secured the highest price among North Bengal's plains tea gardens, fetching ₹389.15 per kilogram, surpassing its previous record of ₹360 per kilogram in 2022 .
The estate's success is attributed to meticulous cultivation practices, including precise leaf plucking, proper irrigation, and the use of appropriate fertilizers. These methods ensure the production of teas that meet specific standards, reflecting the dedication of the entire team .
Kartick Tea Estate is also a significant contributor to the local economy, employing approximately 1,500 workers . Despite challenges such as seasonal production fluctuations and labor disputes over bonus rates, the estate continues to uphold its legacy of excellence. Its commitment to quality and community engagement solidifies its status as a cornerstone of India's tea industry.