Social Entrepreneurship
Income diversitification is an important strategy for rural households in tea growing regions. It makes livelihoods more stable in addition to improving social development.
We have initiated a dairy project for the distribution of cows to the tea workers with a view of providing additional income through the sale of cow urine and cow dung. These by-products are used as manure in the tea farms. As a result of this program, children in these households also get access to fresh milk everyday.
We have also facilitated the formation of apiaries within the tea garden for the local community. Basic training on honey extraction, capacity building training, tools and raw materials are provided to the workers to help them make these value added products.
A pilot model of a green house has been installed to grow seasonal vegetables. We plan to partner with the local community to install more such green houses where they can grow their own organic vegetables and sell them in the local markets for additional income.
Tea workers have been encouraged to grow organic mint, hibiscus and ginger in their kitchen gardens for buy back by the tea farms which in turn use them in their recipes.
Handicrafts such as tea baskets woven out of bamboo fetch a good complimentary income to the tea workers. Practiced as an art, this traditional skill needs revival within these communities. We provide them with raw materials, resources and tools required to be autonomous producers of this eco friendly craft with a buy back arrangement with the tea farms.
