Establishment of Tea Factories - Tea Development Board encourages the local tea industry by setting up processing units, creating rural jobs, and making sure farmers get a fair price for their produce to build a lasting value chain.
Uttarakhand Tea Development Board runs this scheme under the Department of Horticulture. It supports regional economic growth by processing locally grown green leaves, giving work to local people, and offering a steady income to tea farmers through fair buying. By putting money into professional tea processing units, this scheme builds a stronger tea value chain across the state.
Establishment of Tea Factories - Tea Development Board - Introduction
Uttarakhand Tea Development Board has been working on tea since the old Uttarakhand Tea Development Project was sanctioned in the financial year 1993-94. After 2004, the state set up an independent board to look after the whole tea sector. Today the board manages its own tea factories in different districts and keeps adding new ones to cover more areas.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the board processed 5.92 lakh kilograms of green tea leaves and produced around 1.25 lakh cups of tea. This shows how the scheme is helping the local tea economy grow.
Key Information
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Establishment of Tea Factories - Uttarakhand Tea Development Board |
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Infra |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Industries, Business Entity |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Nodal Department | Horticulture Department |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand Tea Development Board |
Benefits
This scheme gives a clear push to the local economy. Farmers who manage their own tea gardens can supply green leaves to the nearest board-run factory and get a fixed rate of ₹40 per kilogram. Payments are made every month and the amount goes straight into the farmer's bank account.
Currently, the board operates several tea factories across Uttarakhand:
| Factory Location | Type |
|---|---|
| Ghorakhal (Nainital) | Organic |
| Champawat | Organic |
| Bhatoli (Chamoli) | Organic |
| Kausani (Bageshwar) | Inorganic |
| Harinagari (Bageshwar) | Inorganic |
The board also plans to set up new small factories at Dhauladevi in Almora and Didihat in Pithoragarh to cover more tea-growing areas. Farmers who have reclaimed and actively manage their own tea gardens can supply their harvest to the nearest factory.
Eligibility
The board is preparing future rules to run these factories under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or private sector model. Once the framework is finalised, detailed eligibility criteria and participation rules will be shared. For now, farmers who grow and manage their own tea gardens can take part by supplying green leaves to the board-run factories.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Farmers who manage their own tea gardens can supply their green leaves directly to the nearest board-run factory at a set rate of ₹40 per kilogram.
STEP 2 - After the harvest is supplied, the board processes the payment every month and transfers the amount directly to the farmer's bank account.
STEP 3 - Keep the required documents ready as per the official rules of the Uttarakhand Tea Development Board. This usually includes proof of garden ownership and bank account details for the direct transfer.
References
Official Website of Uttarakhand Tea Development Board
Tea Development Programme in the Hilly Districts
FAQ's
How many tea factories have been established under the scheme so far?
As of now, the board manages five tea factories across various districts in Uttarakhand.
Where are these tea factories located?
The factories are currently operational in Ghorakhal (Nainital), Champawat, Bhatoli (Chamoli), Kausani (Bageshwar), and Harinagari (Bageshwar).
Are there any new tea factories proposed under this scheme?
Yes, plans are in place to establish new units at Dhauladevi in Almora and Didihat in Pithoragarh.
What type of tea is produced in these factories?
Depending on the location and farming practices, the factories produce both organic and inorganic varieties of tea.
How does the scheme benefit local farmers?
Farmers earn a fair price of ₹40 per kilogram for their green tea leaves, with payments deposited monthly directly into their bank accounts for a steady income.
How are farmers selected for supplying green tea leaves to the factories?
Farmers who have reclaimed and actively manage their own tea gardens can supply their produce to the nearest factory.
What is the payment process for farmers supplying green tea leaves?
The board helps with a clear payment process by transferring funds directly to the registered bank account on a monthly basis.