Lalmonirhat Correspondent

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu MP has stated that tea cultivation has opened a promising new horizon for the economy and agriculture of Lalmonirhat.

The minister observed that the soil, topography, and climate of Lalmonirhat are highly suitable for tea cultivation. Noting the extensive expansion of tea farming across the plains of neighboring Panchagarh and Thakurgaon districts, he emphasized that Lalmonirhat has similar potential to transform tea into a robust and profitable agro-based industry.

Assuring all possible government support for the growth of the tea sector, the minister remarked that tea is not merely an agricultural product, but a vital catalyst for rural economic dynamism, entrepreneurship, and local job creation.

The minister made these remarks while addressing an event as the chief guest on Saturday morning after inspecting "Soma Tea Garden"—the district's first established tea plantation—located in the Purba Bichandoi (Dowabari) area of Hatibandha upazila, Lalmonirhat.

Alongside Rangpur division's Panchagarh and Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat has recently emerged as a promising district in the tea sector. Tea gardens now span approximately 200 acres across five upazilas of the district, yielding an annual production of around 1,400 metric tons of green tea leaves.

To process locally grown tea leaves, "Soma & Soma Tea Processing Limited" has been established through a collaborative initiative between Bangladesh Bank and local tea garden owners, creating new avenues for value addition and regional marketing.

The event was also addressed by local Member of Parliament Barrister Hasan Rajib Prodhan, tea garden entrepreneurs Shahan Ara Begum Soma and Ferdous Alam, and other local dignitaries.