SRINAGAR: In a first for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Agriculture Department has launched a tea plantation drive in the hilly region of Billawar in Kathua district, marking a new chapter in the region’s agri-development journey. Over 20,000 tea saplings are being planted as part of this pioneering initiative.
The drive, officially inaugurated at Billawar, is being hailed as a transformative step aimed at exploring alternative cash crops suited to the region’s climate and terrain. According to officials, the tea saplings have been sourced from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, a region known for its high-quality tea plantations.
MLA Satish Sharma, who participated in the launch event, commended the Agriculture Department for taking this bold and innovative step. “The climatic and soil conditions across the Shivalik range in Billawar closely resemble those in Palampur. This gives us a promising baseline to develop tea cultivation in this part of Jammu and Kashmir,” Sharma said.
He also praised the UT Administration and the Government of India for extending continuous support to developmental initiatives in remote and rural belts. “If this pilot proves successful, similar plantation drives can be replicated across the region, potentially opening up new avenues for livelihood and agro-based entrepreneurship,” he said.
Highlighting the green initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, Sharma urged the local community to actively participate in afforestation and environmental protection efforts. “Let each tree planted also become a tribute to our mothers. Community involvement will be key to the success of such sustainable projects,” he added.
Agriculture officials believe the introduction of tea cultivation in Billawar could diversify the region’s agricultural landscape and contribute to long-term ecological and economic resilience.
