How the ACB, through the Small Grants Programme (SGP I) and its grantee Green Garden Natural Green Tea Production Group (Green Garden Group), helped boost the tea production and culture in Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Myanmar.
In the tea-rich villages of Indawgyi, the Green Garden Natural Green Tea Production Group (Green Garden Group) stands as a testament to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. The organisation was established in 2019 by a coalition of 16 tea farmers from three villages.
Green Garden Group produces high-quality tea leaves
The project objectives are clear and potent as the tea they produce supports livelihood development for tea farmers in the Indawgyi region, cultivates high-quality and high- value tea products, provides consumers with authentic and high-quality tea, and expands the community of environment-friendly tea growers.
Initially, the group had only two tea machines which limited their production capacity. The introduction of three drying and two rolling machines supported by the SGP has streamlined processing, allowing members to handle larger quantities efficiently. Today, they are able to meet the growing demand for their products while maintaining quality.
Women members of the Green Garden Natural Green Tea Production Group grind tea leaves using equipment provided by the SGP
In one season, for example, they saw a yield of 156 viss of green tea, translating to a total revenue of MMK 2,808,000 (USD 1,340) for the members—a significant achievement that underscores the project’s viability and impact.
With 20 acres of mature tea farms hosting 1,500 old trees and another 20 acres allocated for new growth populated with 3,696 saplings, the group has maintained a delicate balance between tradition and expansion.
The group initially grows 1,500 old trees of tea across 20 acres and was eventually doubled to accommodate new saplings
“Farmers using the tea machines can pay in instalments of MMK 100,000 per year (USD 47), rather than pay the full price upfront. Once the machine is paid off, the farmer owns it. The extra funds from machine payments will be used for educational lectures aimed at increasing the number of new farmers,” shared Anthony Gammon, chairman of the Green Garden Group. He added that they plan to purchase new machines and continue to share them with the farmers.
Green Garden Group also plans to expand its tea farms further, preserve century-old trees, enhance the quality of its green tea, and strengthen market connections.
The group has connected with the Green Land Group in the Indawgyi region to enhance sales and produce high-quality tea in larger quantities.
“Initially, farmers sold tea to a limited group of customers. After partnering with the ACB, they were able to produce high- quality and visually appealing tea, which enabled them to increase market penetration.”
— Anthony Gammon, Chairperson of Green Garden Group
They will also welcome more farmers into their fold and share their knowledge through study tours while maintaining their tradition of regular annual meetings.
As Green Garden Group continues to flourish, they embody the essence of growth—not just in their crops but in their community’s prosperity and well-being.
