Tea Farming
We are currently researching the best varieties suitable for farmers, the market and our region. In particular, we are looking at varieties for our soil, climate, and pest resistance.
We plan to increase our production using good genetics, including Camellia Sinensis for green and red tea. It is suitable for minimal processing and is of high quality.
From one tea plant, we produce both black, green, and red tea.
Some of the trees that my grandfather’s tea growers cared for in the 1930’s remain today in Chone Thit village, 60 miles from Kyauk Me city. These heritage trees are 30 to 100-years old.
When my grandfather was born, the trees were there, tall at 9–12 metres, providing lovely shade and memories.
We are now replanting for better production and yield. Tea plants are not planted here as hedges but as individual trees.
TW KBZ has a nursery for coffee and tea in Maymyo city for farmers. The tea nursery supplies camellia sinensis seeds which is the mother tea plant. Coffee varieties include Catimor and will expand to others over time.
We provide good quality seeds for farmers to grow tea and coffee that meet market profiles.
Supporting Our Tea Farmers
We work with 2,000 tea farmers in north and south Shan State. 60% are women and over 40% are youth. Between them, they grow in covering over 4,000 hectares at average heights of 1,300 MSL.
Growing up side by side with tea and coffee farmers, our company can speak the language of the farmers, understand their needs and build better futures together.
TW KBZ works to:
- Improve agricultural practices (organic training, nursery management training, pruning, harvesting techniques training, and intercropping to keep soil, including with ginger)
- Implement climate smart practices (plant shade trees and use hydropower in processing)
- Implement improved processing with advanced and food safety training
- Develop marketing skills in social media, branding, trade fairs, and promotion
- Deliver vocational skills and production training for local farmers
- Manage climate change by planting shade trees, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, and substitute wood fuels
- Actively employ and support youth
- Support women in management positions