1823 tea bushes come alive at Botanic Garden after 4-month revival efforts

Time of India

31-05-2025

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Howrah: A full-fledged tea garden that had been established by the British at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah, in 1823 but subsequently declined due to neglect has been revived once again.
The new tea garden, spanning one and a half bighas, demonstrates that tea cultivation is feasible on flat land. Located opposite the Great Banyan Tree, this sloped garden replicates the style of Darjeeling tea estates and has been opened to visitors on Friday afternoon. The garden also offers 70 species of plants for purchase at reasonable prices, with plans for expansion.
The experimental project at Botanic Garden employs scientific methods to ensure the tea plants' survival in challenging weather conditions.
Saplings sourced from Darjeeling's foothills are showing promising growth. Senior officials from the Botanical Survey of India attended the public inauguration, and authorities anticipate increased visitor interest once tea production commences.
The garden's historical significance dates to 1823 when the British initiated tea production here, distributing saplings across India. The garden played significant role in the development of tea cultivation in India, particularly Assam and Darjeeling.
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The garden, founded in 1786, was instrumental in introducing and acclimatizing tea plants, including tea bushes smuggled from China.
The recent revival effort began with planting 500 saplings from Darjeeling foothills and Dooars in Feb. Though 25% saplings did not survive, scientists at the garden took multiple measures to ensure the rest not only survived but flourished.
Due to the different climate and soil, the authorities focused on preparing suitable soil for tea cultivation from the start.
One and a half bighas of land were sloped to prevent waterlogging, and the soil's acidity was reduced. An auto-sprinkler system was installed to water the tea plants at specific times daily. A separate department has been created for the garden's maintenance. Botanic Garden joint director Devendra Singh reported that 75% of plants have adapted successfully.
Joint secretary Namita Prasad of the Central Ministry of Environment noted that tea production would enhance the garden's appeal. The facility now offers 70 plant species for sale, with QR codes for tracking rare specimens' distribution.