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Business Standard
18 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Tripura eyeing tea boom as govt support, unused land fuel expansion plans
Tripura is witnessing a big transformation in its tea sector, with large tracts of unused government-allotted land and rising production figures setting the stage for what officials are calling a tea uprising in the northeastern state. Tripura Tea Development Corporation (TTDC) Chairman Samir Ghosh said the state's tea industry holds immense potential due to underutilised land and favourable policies. Altogether 12,832 hectares were allotted by the government for tea cultivation, but only 6,000 hectares are currently being utilised. The remaining 6,832 hectares are lying vacant, Ghosh told PTI, emphasising the untapped potential for expanding cultivation. Unlike several other states that cap tea garden land at 4.2 hectares, Tripura imposes no ceiling, allowing both large-scale and small-scale growers to flourish. That gives Tripura a clear competitive edge. Plus, Tripura tea has a very strong liquor it's one of our biggest strengths, Ghosh said. Currently, Tripura has 54 tea gardens, including five run directly by the government, 11 managed by cooperative societies, and the remaining under private ownership. Additionally, around 2,800 small tea growers, each cultivating on 12 hectares, contribute nearly 30 per cent to the state's total tea production. To support these growers, TTDC is ramping up local infrastructure. We are setting up a modern tea processing centre in Machhmara in Dhalai district, and a tea auction centre is coming up at Brahmakunda in West Tripura district, Ghosh said. The auction centre, being developed with financial support from the North Eastern Council (NEC) at a cost of Rs 2.2 crore, is expected to help local growers secure better prices and reduce dependence on auction houses in Assam. Our teas are currently sold under the Assam label. With this auction centre, we aim to build a distinct identity for Tripura tea, asserted Ghosh. Production has seen a dramatic upswing in recent years. According to State Cabinet Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Tripura's tea production has grown from 2 lakh kg in 2017-18 to 7.55 lakh kg in 2024-25. This jump in production is the result of the state government's strong political will to revive and promote the sector, Nath told PTI. Since 2018, the state government has launched multiple initiatives to give Tripura tea a national and international presence. A unique Tripura Tea' logo was unveiled in 2018, and TTDC has also introduced its own branded offerings. Further efforts are underway to establish more processing units for green tea, orthodox tea, and CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) variants, officials said. In an innovative distribution strategy, TTDC has also started selling Tripureswari Packet Tea' through Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets, bringing locally-produced tea directly into ration shops. Beyond industry-focused steps, the state government has undertaken measures to improve the lives of tea workers, too. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), housing has been provided to 3,339 tea labourer families, reinforcing the administration's focus on inclusive rural development, they said.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘TN aims to bag major share of domestic, inbound tourists by 2030'
Tamil Nadu is taking up various initiatives to boost domestic and international tourist footfalls. In an interview to TOI, K Manivasan, additional chief secretary, tourism and culture spoke about projects being undertaken, countries in focus, and infrastructure development of TTDC hotels. Excerpts: What makes TN the most visited state by domestic tourists? Tamil Nadu stood second in the country in the domestic tourism segment by attracting 286 million domestic tourists in CY2023. Domestic tourist arrivals in CY2024 increased to 306 million (provisional). Good connectivity, hospitality, and law and order are three major draws. Several states are strong in certain tourism products. But, Tamil Nadu is a diverse state with archaeology, antiquity, hill stations, adventure and spiritual tourism avenues. The state has festivals in temples throughout the year, which attracts pilgrims from across India. Between 2014 and 2020, TN attracted the highest number of overseas travellers pan India. It does not figure among the top five in CY2023 (as per India Tourism Data Compendium Report 2024). Why? Data on foreign (inbound) tourist arrivals to the state in CY2023 did not reflect the true picture. We are in the sixth position according to the data. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo However, we had an increasing number of foreign tourists coming to TN. In terms of market share, TN accounts for 25%-30% of the total medical tourism arrivals within India. Moreover, NRIs, business travellers and Tamil diaspora are travelling to the state. The state tourism department has been asked to study the data and understand the survey methodology adopted by the Union government, and highlight any exclusions or omissions. What is TN's inbound tourism growth forecast and what are its prospects in the next five years? We are looking at least 5% YoY growth in this vertical. Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia are focus areas, apart from Malaysia and Singapore. We are focusing on regaining our status as the numero uno state in attracting the highest number of tourists (both domestic and inbound) by 2030. We are hopeful as the state has the potential. We have the resources, infrastructure and manpower to make this happen. A holistic know-how of the market and the tourist demographic will help us conceive the best package for them. Tourism is not just about sightseeing. It becomes invaluable when transformed into something experiential. We are working in this direction. The state budget has given a thrust to tourism this year. Apart from archaeology and museums, which are the focus areas? A sum of 100 crore has been allocated for development of tourism infrastructure in lesser-known tourism destinations, which have tremendous potential. Adventure and eco-camping sites will be developed in these regions. Sirumalai in Dindigul district and Ariyaman beach in Ramanathapuram district are on our radar. Veeranam lake in Cuddalore district has a good potential for boating. We are also developing a Jain circuit at a cost of 10 crore. Basic amenities will be built around Tirumalai Jain temple in Tiruvannamalai district. Madurai is also a major Jain centre. The coastal trail in Mamallapuram and Nagapattinam belts as well as the Chola trail in central districts have also been marked. Any plans to upgrade TTDC hotels? What's the progress on the TN Tourism Promotion and Facilitation Act? We are in the process of renovating or redeveloping our popular properties including those in Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Ooty and Kodaikanal. At Mamallapuram, we are coming up with a greenfield property. Collectively, we will have about 100 new rooms across TTDC properties in the state. The govt will introduce the Tamil Nadu Tourism Promotion and Facilitation Act. It will introduce regulations on minimum standards to be adhered to by stakeholders involved in the management of homestays and bed and breakfast providers, as well as tour guides.
