The Nilgiris’ indigenous communities and native forests demonstrate sustainable coexistence in practice.
This regional wisdom shapes Craigmore’s operations and drives our responsible cultivation methods. For decades, Craigmore has implemented restorative practices that exceed standard requirements. We established these environmental practices before certifications mandated them and maintain them independent of industry trends or regulatory changes.
Pillars of Protection
LAND & FOREST
We protect our land from commercial cultivation to conserve and regenerate native shola forests. Wildlife corridors allow natural animal movement across the landscape without disruption to tea production operations. Craigmore prohibits commercial tourism to maintain an undisturbed habitat for native flora and fauna.
WATER
Operating in a rainfall-deficit region, we rely entirely on natural water sources and rainwater harvesting systems. No artificial irrigation or groundwater extraction occurs on our estates. Our watershed management project uses contour trenches and biomass interventions to reduce surface runoff and improve soil moisture retention. Rainwater harvesting systems support domestic water needs while supporting soil recharge and wildlife hydration requirements.
SOIL
Our estates feature strategic shade tree placement (exceeding the mandated 140 trees per hectare) alongside poinsettia and vetiver hedging systems that maintain soil temperature, moisture, and stability. All organic matter returns to the soil through systematic mulching and composting operations. Trench systems capture and retain topsoil runoff. Minimal agrochemical input protocols ensure every Craigmore tea batch meets Maximum Residue Level (MRL) compliance standards.
COMMUNITY
Our resident workforce includes 1,000 employees and their families. Over half migrated from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Assam beginning two decades ago, with high retention rates indicating workplace satisfaction. Established policies protect all employees from harassment, discrimination, and workplace bias. Community infrastructure includes 10 daycare centers, three primary schools, one 40-bed hospital with trained medical staff, and three dispensaries distributed across the estates.
TRUST
We maintain required certifications that verify responsible, ethical, and safe production practices. These formal standards validate the operational culture we established before such certifications existed. We demonstrate our practices through direct estate visits, allowing customers to observe cultivation methods, employee conditions, and daily operations firsthand.
Partnerships beyond procurement
Sourcing from Craigmore means more than procurement. It’s strategic partnership built on transparency, documented practices, and mutual commitment to positive change in the Nilgiris.
Who we partner with
- Tea brands and blenders worldwide
- Wellness and nutrition companies
- Hospitality and boutique hotel groups
- Groups driving positive change in the Nilgiris
What partnerships include
- Co-branded product development
- Authentic sustainability storytelling
- Supply agreements with clear outcomes
- Transparent operations and shared value
Grown with Care. Backed by Standards
Spanning 2,700 acres in the Nilgiris, Craigmore produces South India’s finest pan-fired Green and orthodox Black Teas. Our team of about 1,000 people balances expert cultivation with forest protection, water stewardship, and soil renewal—meeting global benchmarks for sustainable tea production.
Notes of appreciation
“Before it was certified, it was practiced. Craigmore didn’t wait for Rainforest Alliance to start treating people right — that’s just how they’ve always worked.”
Tea Broker associated with Craigmore for XX years
STAR-EYED BUSH FROG (Raorchestes signatus)
When mist settles and the hills quieten, this tiny frog begins its song. Feeding on night insects along shola edges, it quietly guards the estate after dusk.
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