Establishment of Tea Factories – Uttarakhand Tea Development Board

Establishment of Tea Factories – Uttarakhand Tea Development Board

The “Establishment of Tea Factories” scheme, initiated by the Uttarakhand Tea Development Board, serves as a catalyst for the growth of the tea sector in Uttarakhand. This initiative focuses on setting up tea processing factories that utilize locally sourced green leaves, thereby creating job opportunities, boosting farmer incomes through equitable purchasing practices, and fostering a sustainable tea value chain within the state.

Overview of the Scheme

Implemented by the Uttarakhand Tea Development Board located in Almora, under the purview of the Department of Horticulture, Government of Uttarakhand, this scheme is designed to enhance the tea industry in the region. By establishing factories that process locally harvested green tea leaves, the initiative aims to create employment opportunities, ensure fair pricing for farmers, and promote sustainable practices in the tea production process.

Key Benefits

During the financial year 2023-24, the Uttarakhand Tea Development Board successfully processed 5.92 lakh kilograms of green tea leaves, resulting in the production of approximately 1.25 lakh cups of tea. Currently, the Board has set up tea factories in several districts:

• Tea Factory, Ghorakhal (Nainital) – Organic
• Tea Factory, Champawat – Organic
• Tea Factory, Bhatoli (Chamoli) – Organic
• Tea Factory, Kausani (Bageshwar) – Inorganic
• Tea Factory, Harinagari (Bageshwar) – Inorganic

Furthermore, the Board is planning to establish additional small tea factories in the following districts:

• Tea Factory, Dhauladevi (Almora)
• Tea Factory, Didihat (Pithoragarh)

Eligibility Criteria

The tea factories managed by the Board are anticipated to operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model or through the private sector in the future. The specific eligibility requirements and policies for participation are currently being formulated.

Exclusions

Details regarding exclusions from the scheme will be provided in the forthcoming policy documents.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted offline. The scheme not only generates employment for local residents by involving them in the operations of the tea factories but also ensures a steady income for farmers. The Board purchases green tea leaves from farmers who have revitalized and are managing their own tea gardens at a rate of ₹40 per kilogram. Payments for these purchases are directly credited to the farmers’ bank accounts on a monthly basis.

Contact Information

For further details and to view official resources related to this scheme, please visit myScheme.gov.in.

Conclusion

The “Establishment of Tea Factories” initiative by the Uttarakhand Tea Development Board represents a significant step towards the advancement of the tea industry in Uttarakhand. By fostering local entrepreneurship, enhancing farmer income, and promoting sustainable practices, this scheme is poised to transform the agricultural landscape of tea production in the state.