Our story begins amidst the lush landscapes of Darjeeling, a region renowned for its exquisite tea estates and breathtaking scenery.
By 2017, however, Darjeeling's tea industry was in deep crisis: political strikes, counterfeit teas, and climate change threatened their legacy.
Facing the industry's collapse, the Agarwal family nearly sold their estate. However, after a visit to their heritage Selim Hill Garden, the Agarwal brothers—Shrey and Sparsh—felt a renewed sense of purpose. They decided to stay and fight for the estate's revival.
To address the crisis of counterfeit Darjeeling tea and dependence on middlemen, Sparsh launched Dorje Teas, a direct-to-consumer brand, delivering authentic Darjeeling tea fresh from their farms straight to homes across India.
As the brothers settled into the Second Chance House and Dorje Teas gained momentum, a community of friends and supporters rallied around them. This led to the formation of the Selim Hill Collective—an informal group focused on reimagining the tea estate model.
Recognizing Darjeeling's unique suitability for Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) due to its soil type, climate, and proximity to river networks, the brothers launched Alt Carbon in early 2023.
With a vision to scale up to 500,000 hectares by 2030, Alt Carbon is redefining the role of tea estates as frontiers of climate action, giving Darjeeling a second chance not just to survive but to thrive.
Our Story
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