AGARTALA: With an aim to utilize the vast area along the barbed wire fencing, the Industries department plans to go for tea cultivation in a massive way.
The Border Security Force (BSF) authorities have already agreed on the plan since the tea plants don’t grow beyond 3 metres. However, they will not allow any plantation which will go beyond 3 metres, a mandatory security parameter prescribed by the BSF.
Though it has not been assessed how many acres of land could be brought under the tea plantation, it seems the area would be more than 1000 acres.
Of the total 856 km Indo-Bangla border, border line covering 870 kms is supposed to be fenced by March 31, 2015.
As per the Indira-Muzib agreement, no structure is allowed to be constructed from zero-line to 150 yard from the border line. Which means several acres of land is being left out of use. And, if the plan is implemented, border villagers would be benefitted substantially.
The department has been working on using ‘fertile land’ along the Indo-Bangla border after erection of barbed wire fencing, said Addl Director of Industries and Commerce Subhash Das here on Monday.
He reasoned the plan has been envisaged to offer viable alternative to the patta holders under the Forest Dwellers’ Right Act so that they could earn their livelihood by selling tea leaves.
“It has not been decided how many families could be rehabilitated by the plan but certainly the number will be good. This will also ensure to promote small tea growers’ concept which proved handy in African nation- Kenya,” he said.