02/08/2024
CENTRAL GOVT TO SUPPORT SIKKIM TEA GROWERS, SAYS MINISTRY IN RESPONSE TO MP DORJEE TSHERING LEPCHA'S QUESTION
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha from Sikkim raised a question in the Upper House, seeking information on whether the government intends to provide assistance and incentives to tea growers in Sikkim, given the state's efforts to encourage tea plantation in all six districts.
In response to the MP's question, answered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 2nd August, 2024, the government announced that it will provide support to tea growers in Sikkim through the Tea Board's Tea Development & Promotion Scheme. According to the ministry's answer, the scheme will support tea growers in various activities, including re-plantation of old and senile tea bushes, raising of tea nurseries, and mobilization of small growers into Self Help Groups/Farmer Producer Organisations. The ministry also stated that the scheme will provide common facilities like field mechanization equipment and Mini Tea Factories to enhance production and quality.
The ministry further stated that it will conduct training and capacity-building workshops for tea growers to improve their skills and knowledge, and promote Sikkim Tea in domestic and international markets through various events, exhibitions, and activities, including tea tasting and tea sampling.
