By IANS,
Shimla : The sinking Kangra tea market in Himachal Pradesh is awaiting a patent by the European Union (EU), which could pave the way for its entry into the European market, besides reviving the nearly 150-year-old plantations.
“We have applied for patenting and registration as a (geographical indicator) of the Kangra tea in the EU. We are hopeful permission will be granted, paving the way for Kangra tea to find its way into the lucrative EU market,” S.S. Chandel, coordinator of the Himachal Pradesh Patent Cell, said here Monday.
The British began cultivation of Kangra tea in 1882 in and around the Palampur hills in the Kangra valley, some 260 km from here.
Kangra tea is known for its flavour rather than its weak colour.
Though its production is negligible now, it was popular among tea drinkers in the country until a few years ago. Its demand was highest in neighbouring Afghanistan.
Production has dropped in recent years because cheaper teas from other places in Asia are now available in the market.
Chandel said that once Kangra tea is patented in the EU, it would make its way into the European market easily via the Internet.
This could prove to be a boon to the tea planters of Kangra, who are struggling, he added.