The story
Tea was planted in the Kangra valley in the mid-19th century, and by the late 1800s Kangra tea won medals in London and Amsterdam. The 1905 Kangra earthquake and the loss of estates to land reforms later shrank the industry. Most plantations lie around Palampur, with small growers and a few estates and cooperative factories. Kangra tea is known for its light, fruity flavour and a strong green-tea tradition.
In numbers
On paper, the total area under tea cultivation in Kangra is 2,060 hectares, with a total production of 1.3 million kg of made tea.
The Tribune — Himachal special coverage, 25 July 2012 · 2012At least 80% of the plantations were around Palampur.
NABARD — Model bank project: Tea plantation for small tea growers in Himachal Pradesh
GI tag
- Kangra TeaApplication no. GI Application No. 25IP India — Registration Details of Geographical Indications
Ways in for a newcomer
- Branded Kangra green tea for online and gift markets
- Tea tourism and estate stays near Palampur and Dharamshala
- Small processing units for growers' leaf
- Blending Kangra tea with Himalayan herbs
Problems the cluster faces
- Shrinking area under tea
- Low yields and old bushes
- Dry spells and climate change
- Labour costs for plucking
Businesses to start here
Green Tea Processing Unit →Tea Blending and Packing Unit →Organic Green and Herbal Tea Cultivation →Chamomile Tea Processing →