Bengal may allow multi cropping in tea gardens

The West Bengal government said it would allow multi-cropping in tea estates on a case to case basis.

Speaking at the AGM of Indian Tea Association (ITA) here state Director Industries M V Rao said, "No blanket approval will be given to the tea estates. It would be done on a case by case basis like Assam."

Present regulation did not permit tea gardens to grow any other crop, but the government was considering to revive ailing tea gardens mostly in the North Bengal and make them viable.

The government might consider giving in principal approval to tea companies for tea tourism.

ITA chairman P T Singanporia said the Special Purpose Tea Fund mooted by government will in place by November.

Singanporia, speaking about the government subsidy element in the fund said it should be increased to 40 per cent from 30 per cent proposed now.

He also said ITA was studying the growth opportunity in the tea industry in North Bengal.

ITA in order to make the tea gardens viable has called for withdrawal of cess on green leaves.

The tea body has also laid emphasis on exports in new markets like Pakistan, Egypt, Iran and USA, for which it has asked for the government to increase assistance for tea promotion.