Lalmonirhat’s tea industry holds vast economic potential, says Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu. Photo : BSS

LALMONIRHAT, August 15, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, MP, has said that tea cultivation has opened new horizons of potential in the economy and agriculture of Lalmonirhat.  

“If planned cultivation, modern care, processing and fair marketing are ensured, the tea industry in this region can play a far-reaching role in employment generation, increase farmers' income and overall socio-economic development,” he said.  

He said this as the chief guest at a programme organized after his visit to the first established 'Suma Tea Garden' in the district in the Purba Bichnadai (Dauabari) area of Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat today (Saturday).  

Local MP Barrister Hasan Rajib Pradhan, tea garden entrepreneurs Shahan Ara Begum Soma, Ferdous Alam and other locals spoke at the programme.  

The minister said that the soil, topography and climate of Lalmonirhat are very suitable for tea cultivation.  

Tea cultivation has already expanded widely in the vast plains of neighboring Panchagarh and Thakurgaon districts.  

“By utilizing that potential, it is possible to turn the tea industry into a strong and profitable agriculture-based industry in Lalmonirhat as well,” he said. 

The minister assured all possible cooperation from the government in the development of the tea industry.
 
“Tea is not just an agricultural product - it can increase the dynamics of the rural economy as well as create new entrepreneurs and be a major area of employment at the local level,” he said.  

There is an opportunity for many people, including farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, transport and marketing, to be involved in this tea industry, he said.  

According to Bangladesh Tea Board (BTB) sources, Lalmonirhat along with Panchagarh and Thakurgaon districts of Rangpur division has recently emerged as a promising district in the tea industry.  

Tea gardens have been established in five upazilas of Lalmonirhat district covering about 200 acres of land. These gardens produce about 1,400 metric tonnes of tea leaves every year.  

A tea processing company named 'Soma and Soma Tea Processing Limited' has been established as a joint venture between Bangladesh Bank and local tea garden owners to process locally produced tea leaves.  

This has created new opportunities for value addition and marketing of locally produced tea leaves.