CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University extends tea cultivation to non-traditional regions

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, October 17

Climate change in the hills has prompted CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University to extend tea cultivation, research and tea development activities to non-traditional areas of the state where tea was not grown earlier.

For the first time, fresh tea plantations have been done at the research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the university at Malan, Kangra, Bara, Berthin, Sundernagar, Bajaura and Dhaulakuan in various districts of the state with the objective of creating live windows and demonstration-cum-exhibition plots. This initiative of the university will create awareness and interest for tea cultivation among farmers.

VC Dr HK Chaudhry expresses hope that the new initiative will spread information about the impact of climate change on tea cultivation vis-à-vis the scope of extension of tea cultivation in other non-traditional parts of the state in Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu and Sirmaur. In the first leg, 800 new tea plants have been planted.

“It is a follow-up of the meeting of the VC with officers of Tea Board-India, state tea wing and university scientists for awareness on the heritage Kangra tea, an identified produce under the export policy,” he said.