Estates / PKC Kudiraipanjan Estate
Estate archive · Yercaud
PKC Kudiraipanjan Estate
Document refEST-PKC
Founded1878
Altitude1,400 m~4,593 ft
ZoneSheveroy Hills
LocationYercaud
DistrictSalem
StateTamil Nadu
Acreage200+ acres
Altitude across the twelve estates
1,400 m
1,130 m1,615 m
SpeciesArabica
Arabica varietalSLN 9, Catimore, SLN 13, Yellow Bourbon, Geisha
Processing offered
ExperimentalHoneyNaturalsWashed
Harvest method
Handpicked
Signature processExperimental - Koji/ Fruit ferments, Washed
FounderJames Frederick MacFarlane (British planter)
Ownership transitionsHeld by Alexander Cherry · 1923 PKC trade begins (Palani Kandasamy Chettiyar arrives in Shevaroys) · 1975 PKC family acquires estate
Current stewardsPK Ramachandran, Babu Kandasamy, Jayakrishna Kandasamy (gen 3)
Family lineage span3 generations (since 1923 in trade; since 1975 owning)
Worker programme
Shade canopySilver Oak, Indian Blackberry, Cypress, Guava, Plantain, Rosewood, Jackfruit
Companion cropsPepper, Oranges, Jackfruit, Avocado, Mango, Banana, Areca nut
BiodiversityBison, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Squirrel, Civet
WaterClosed-loop wash-water recirculation, vermifiltration effluent beds, spring-fed reservoirs, contour bunding + silt traps
CertificationsNPOP Organic
Rainfall65-80 in/year
BrixAverage 25
Soil practicePulp + parchment composted back, cover cropping, processing-waste mulch
EnergySolar-powered operations, sun-drying
Wage practiceAbove Benchmark