Sikkim MP D T Lepcha Proposes Tea Factory at Indo-China Border Safung, Gnathang-Machong to Boost Economy
First Published: 17th April, 2025 21:30 IST
Although construction has not yet started, authorities are aiming to complete the project within the next three years.
Sikkim Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament D T Lepcha who visited Safung in the Gnathang-Machong constituency, located along the Indo-China border today, has proposed setting up a
tea factory in the area.
Tea cultivation has already begun in Parakha under the same constituency, with the Tea Growers Welfare Board, Parakha confirming that tea production is in progress in the Linkey-Parakha GPU. At present, 14 acres of land have been brought under tea cultivation, with plans to expand it to 100 acres in the long term.
To support this emerging tea sector, a tea processing unit has been proposed over approximately 3.5 acres of land at an altitude of 5,500 feet above sea level. Although construction has not yet started, authorities are aiming to complete the project within the next three years.
MP Lepcha, accompanied by concerned officials and local stakeholders, conducted a site visit today and identified Safung ward under the Linkey-Parakha GPU as a feasible location for setting up the factory.
Speaking during the visit, MP D T Lepcha said the initiative is aimed at promoting agricultural entrepreneurship, generating livelihood opportunities in the border region, ensuring long-term sustainability and self-reliance for local communities, and encouraging tourism.
“This tea factory will not only strengthen the local economy but also empower people living in the high-altitude areas by creating job opportunities and encouraging young entrepreneurs,” said Lepcha.
Also Read: UNESCO Steps In to Preserve Sikkim’s Indigenous Cane Bridge Heritage
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Bangladesh’s Interim Govt Chief Muhammad Yunus Threatens to Resign Amid Turmoil. Wasbir Hussain With More
23rd May 2025
Live Hera Pheri 3 Dispute: Paresh Rawal Took Rs 11L Signing Amount, Says Akshay’s Production
23rd May 2025
Live Trump is saddened over brutal murder of 2 Israeli Embassy staff…: White House Press Secretary
23rd May 2025
Live EAM Jaishankar interacts with members of German Parliament, discusses India’s commitment to combat terrorism
23rd May 2025
WE RECOMMEND
State of Neglect? Sikkim Reports Suspected Suicides of 4 Elderly Persons in a Day
All four victims, aged between 51 and 75 years, were alone at the time of their deaths.
22nd May 2025
Over 1,000 Tourists Still Stranded in North Sikkim After Heavy Rainfall Triggers Landslides
North Sikkim Tourists Stranded: 1,000 tourists have been evacuated so far, more than 1,000 remain stranded.
22nd May 2025
PM Narendra Modi to Visit Sikkim on May 29 to Attend 50th Statehood Day Celebrations
He praised the mission for boosting national pride and reaffirming the country’s strength and global standing.
20th May 2025
Muddy Water, Dialysis Shut; Sikkim’s Largest Hospital, STNM Crumbles Under Rain
State's Health Minister said that the hospital’s water supply became muddy and silted, affecting the reserved water system for dialysis procedures.
19th May 2025
Bangladesh Continues With NE Dreams; Now, Shadowy Islamist Outfit Talks of Greater Bangladesh With NE India
The maps bear the banner of 'Sultanate-e-Bangla,' a newly formed Islamist radical group reportedly enjoying support from a Turkish NGO.
19th May 2025