Tea Development Programme in the Hilly Districts supports farmers in Uttarakhand by transforming barren land into productive tea gardens, providing long-term employment, and boosting economic growth through sustainable agricultural practices.
Tea Development Programme in the Hilly Districts - Introduction
Tea Development Programme in the Hilly Districts helps you use your unused or barren land effectively for professional tea cultivation. Managed by Uttarakhand Tea Development Board under the Department of Horticulture, this initiative provides you with sustainable employment opportunities and creates a strong economic base for local communities in hilly areas.
By choosing to participate in this programme, you revitalize fallow land while contributing to a greener and more prosperous state economy.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Tea Development Programme in the Hilly Districts |
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Horticulture Department |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand Tea Development Board |
Benefits
This scheme offers numerous advantages for you and your community in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand:
| Feature | Benefit |
| Economic Stability | Provides year-round employment for gardeners and cultivators for seven years post-plantation. |
| Land Utilization | Turns barren or unused land into highly productive assets. |
| Animal Resistance | Unlike traditional crops, tea plants are generally safe from damage by wild or domestic animals. |
| Climate Resilience | Requires irrigation mainly at the initial growth stage and handles adverse weather better than traditional crops. |
| Long-term Yield | A single tea plant can produce crops for up to 100 years. |
| Environmental Safety | Prevents soil erosion and landslides while maintaining a pollution-free industry. |
Also, because tea remains a staple beverage globally, you will find consistent demand and easier marketing channels for your produce. It specifically empowers local rural women by providing stable jobs in their immediate vicinity.
Eligibility
To participate, you should meet the following criteria:
- You must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
- You should own measured land that is suitable for cultivation.
- The identified location should have 60 hectares of land available for tea plantation within a 20 km radius.
- Your land must have access to adequate water to support a nursery during the initial phase.
Application Process
You should follow these steps to apply for the programme:
STEP 1 - Prepare a formal application detailing your available and measured land.
STEP 2 - Submit your application to the Director, Uttarakhand Tea Development Board, Almora.
STEP 3 - Board will then conduct a soil test on your land. Note that the soil pH should be between 4.5 and 6.0 for successful tea growth.
STEP 4 - If your land is found suitable, Board will prepare a work plan including all applications from your development block.
STEP 5 - This plan is then submitted to the district administration for final approval. Once approved, the plantation work begins on your land.
Documents
While specific paperwork may vary, you should be ready to provide proof of land ownership and residency documents as per the standard guidelines of Uttarakhand Tea Development Board.
References
Official Guidelines (See Page 226)
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply under this programme?
You are eligible if you are a permanent resident of Uttarakhand and own measured land that meets the soil quality requirements for tea cultivation.
What land conditions are required for tea plantation?
You need access to enough area to aggregate at least 60 hectares within a 20 km radius, plus access to sufficient water for establishing a nursery.
How can I apply for the tea plantation programme?
If you are a interested cultivator, you should submit your application, including land details and measurements, to the Director of Uttarakhand Tea Development Board based in Almora.
What are the benefits of tea cultivation in the hilly terrain?
Tea cultivation is beneficial because plants are resistant to wildlife, require minimal irrigation after the initial stage, prevent soil erosion, and offer a sustainable long-term income.
What happens after I submit my application?
Board will test your soil pH. If it is between 4.5 and 6.0, your land is considered for a larger regional work plan, which is shared with the district administration for final clearance.
Who grants the final approval for projects?
The district administration or the relevant government authority reviews the work plans provided by Board before approving the start of plantation activities.
Can I use my barren land for this?
Absolutely. The programme encourages the use of both agricultural and barren/unused land for tea cultivation.
How extensive is the scheme?
Board has successfully developed tea gardens on 1,370 hectares across 30 development blocks in 9 districts, involving over 4,000 farmers.