Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Government has set up a Special Purpose Tea Fund (STPF) with the objective of large scale replanting / rejuvenation of old tea bushes for improving production and productivity. An approximate area of 2.12 lakh hectares of uneconomic tea areas will be replanted / rejuvenated.

During the 11th Plan, it is proposed to replant and rejuvenate 56,795 hectares and 14075 hectares respectively. Under the scheme, subsidy (25% of the unit cost) is provided by the Government. In addition, loan (50% of the unit cost) is provided form SPTF. The balance 25 % is to be borne by the beneficiaries. Financial assistance to the tune of Rs.48.69 crore has been provided towards subsidy under the Special Purpose Tea Fund (SPTF) Scheme since inception till date (1st April 2007 to 30th November 2009) for replantation and rejuvenation of 9902 hectares and 3685 hectares respectively.