Once upon a time, we did not know how to produce tea. History tells us that Malnichara Tea Garden pioneered tea in this sub continent. It was the first tea garden of this kind, which was developed commercially. It was established near the outskirts of Sylhet town in 1854. However, tea plantation was confined within Sylhet and Chittagong district. During British rule, tea plantation started in Darjiling, Jalpaiguri, Shiliguri areas also.

Now a days, demand for tea is rapidly increasing in domestic and international market. Every year the demand of tea is increasing at the rate of 1.5 per cent. We know tea is also an exportable commodity. At present, tea is cultivated in 54000 hectares of land approximately. Against demand of tea, that is not enough. So, we are importing tea. This will remain so at least up to year 2010. Obviously it is alarming news for us. It should not be so. Because, we have a great opportunity to increase our tea production by small holding cultivation as SriLanka and Kenya are doing at this moment. But we have a vast potential for increased tea production in northern areas of Bangladesh especially Panchagarh. Statistics illustrates, in this district, 1,84,000 acres of land is suitable for tea plantation. Though the lands are plain, small holding tea plantation will be very effective because of its good natured soil.

Experts are saying Panchagarh is such a district with great potential for tea plantation. Why? For tea plantation, the key elements are- acidity of soil, favourable temperature, necessary rainfall, adequate sunlight, and water drainage system. All these criteria are present in the soil of Panchagarh (specially Sadar and Tetulia upazilla).

In October 1999, a group of soil scientists tested the soil of this district. The test reports suggested that the soil of Panchagarh is ideal for tea plantation as the neighbouring districts of Darjiling, Jalpaiguri etc are in close proximity. The 'Tetulia Tea Company's a private sector enterprise started its function in April 2, 2000 in this district. Later on, 'Kazi & Kazi Tea Estate' followed. This company is the largest as yet. Besides, five or more companies followed this function. Panchagarh district administration is providing them with all kinds of help and assistance they need. Bangladesh Tea Board has also set up its regional branch in Panchagarh in April 2001. A scientific officer is providing technical advice and assistance to private growers.

Now is necessary more governmental care. If the foreign investors can be lured and few tea processing zones are set up then Panchagarh will help our poor economy to grow.