Tea

Balanoor is one amongst the few plantations adopting mixed crop cultivation. At Balanoor we manufacture both Orthodox and CTC tea.

The Balanoor Tea Plantations comprises of (225 HA) two tea estates, Murgadhi and Yelemadalu, in Chikamagalur, producing about 625 Tons of tea per year. The tender tea leaves plucked are processed in the Tea Factory equipped with modern machinery. Special attention is paid to post harvest technology. The factory is regularly modernized and technologically upgraded to consistently manufacture high quality of tea. We practice sustainable cultivation and our tea is shade grown. We systematically replant old tea plants with high quality, high yielding clones. This should increase the yield of the plantation in the future.

Technical Specifications of Tea Production

Divisions	Murgadhi and Yelemadalu
Region of Growth	Koppa Taluk, Chikmagalur District, Karnataka State, India
Altitude	900 meters to 1400 meters above MSL.
Annual Rainfall	245 cm to 300 cm
Temperature Range	15 - 35 degrees C
Variety of Tea	Assam hybrid and Research Station selection
Type of Shade	Silver Oak
Birds and animals seen on the Plantation	Birds: Peacock, Woodpecker, Laggar Falcon, Jungle Fowl, Sparrows, Crows, Minivet, Bulbul, Flower Pecker, Myna, Owl, Indian Parakeet, Wild Pigeon, and migratory birds. Animals: Bison, Sambar, Deer, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Wild Boar, Wild Goat, Fox, Hare.
Other Crops	Coffee, Pepper, Areca, Cardamom, vanilla, timber
Annual Production of Tea	CTC - 625 Tons (Orthodox processed on order).
Quality Control	The quality control is ensured at each point of processing by constant inspection by management. We ensure good housekeeping practices at the factory to maintain hygienic conditions involving all the factory work force.
Sustainable Agriculture and Ecological Practices	Organic compost is applied at 5 tons per acre, once in 5 years. We practice rainwater harvesting and soil erosion prevention. We have retained a large area under forests to encourage survival of flora and fauna.
Labour and Social Obligation	Provides labour with housing, schooling, crèche and medical facilities, maternity and annual leave benefits, recreation club, subsidized power and provisions.