Kotada, Deepdale and Crofton were originally coffee estates which were later converted to tea plantation. However, we have retained some good areas under Coffee. Crop diversification has been introduced with Cardamom (Mysore, Malabar as well as the tissue cultured varieties) & Pepper. Kotada nursery is self-sufficient & propagates its own saplings & compost & is continuously engaged in experimenting with better cultivars of tea & sustainable agricultural techniques.

Kotada has ploughed back much of what it has reaped into welfare programmes for its 1000+ strong work force. A highly motivated work force adds to the magic of the Kotada legacy. A civilization thrives here. Crèche for toddlers, a healthcare centre to take care of workers and families health with dispensary for the ill, a mall for all, a temple, a church, a school bus, a workers gym, recreational areas & buildings etc. are some of the amenities that go to make the garden a little planet, a planet mostly self-sufficient. It is no wonder then that the garden was so easily certified by the Fairtrade Labelling Organization, for meeting, if not exceeding, all stringent parameters as defined by them!