Tea to combat poppy cultivation in Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 11 2023:
Even as the state continues to face the menace of widespread deforestation mainly due to large scale poppy cultivation in the hills, a private tea company has embarked on a path-breaking initiative to replace narcotic plantations with tea gardens.
Meckley Tea India, a recent entrant into the Indian tea industry has invested to promote tea in Manipur and has identified several picturesque locations in Manipur for establishing Tea Tourism destinations in the state.
The start-up company from Manipur aims to be a leading player in the Indian tea industry by producing high-quality tea.
Tea scientist P Bordoloi, former advisor of Toklai Tea Research Association, the leading tea research institute in the country, indicated that climate conditions, temperature, rainfall and soil of the hill state may be suitable for the best tea and produce highest quality of tea in the world.
Another encouraging indicator of the tea venture is that wild teas were naturally grown in the forest of Manipur.
Tea Tourism is a rapidly growing industry that not only offers tourists a unique experience but also generates employment opportunities for the local population.
The promotion of Tea Tourism will create new avenues for employment, ranging from tea plucking to hospitality services, leading to enhanced income and better standard of living for the local communities.
Besides, tea cultivation is eco-friendly and sustainable, which will contribute to the conservation of Manipur's pristine natural beauty.
Meckley Tea India director Milan Koijam said that the target is to produce 16,826.92 kilograms of tea by converting 7,500 hectares of poppy cultivated areas into tea plantations to generate Rs 72 crore of revenue.
Koijam further said that the initiative would provide employment and help curb unemployment and increase the GDP of Manipur.
He solicited the support and collaboration of the government, local communities and stakeholders in making the venture a success.
(Courtesy: Waari Singbul Network) .