Mineral Spring Sanjukta Vikash Sanstha (Mineral Spring United Development Collective) comprise of two major villages, Harsing and Mineral Spring. It has an altitude of 6500 feet to 3300 feet above mean sea level. The villages have two major rivers Rungdung and Ghattee flowing through them. The rivers originate from the Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also the catchment for Darjeeling town.

Mineral Spring is in the east side of Darjeeling town and is almost 15-16 km from the town.

One can either trek or 4W drive down to Mineral Spring. The alternative trek route from 3rd mile or 6th mile forest villages through Rangaroon Forest is enjoyable for nature lovers.

The villagers of the 14 hamlets within Harsing and Mineral Spring established “Mineral Spring Sanjukta Vikash Sanstha”(MSSVS) in 1996 which today has over 450 house hold members. The process was facilitated by a local NGO DLR Prerna www.darjeelingprerna.org

MSSVS has been Certified Organic since 2001, in national and international standards. MSSVS is also a producer partner of Fair trade Labelling Organisations International since 2003.

The farmers practice traditional agriculture by growing mandarin oranges, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, tea and vegetables. Dairy products especially milk is also a major source of income. The agricultural practices are being enhanced with inputs on Organic Farming and Permaculture.

MSSVS tea is sold by Equal Exchange, Alter Eco, dwp in the International market.

MSSVS is one of the few multi-cropping Organic Certified and Fair trade Labelled small farmers collective in India.

Students from National and International Universities have undertaken research on MSSVS some receiving their Ph. D.

Certified Permaculture Design Courses have been conducted in Mineral Spring since 2005 by Rico Zook an International trainer and practitioner www.ricoclime.com. Internal Control and Regulations Systems of organic farming are also held regularly. The trainings have an added dimension of home stays for the participants.