the Himachal Pradesh (hp) government plans to launch a Rs 130 crore biotea production project to boost the traditional tea industry in the state. "Biotea is ecofriendly as its production does not require the use of fertilisers or insecticides. It is widely accepted as a health drink and research is being done regarding its usefulness as a preventive medicine,' said J C Rana, the state's director of agriculture. The project would cover an area of 2,000 hectares and would generate employment opportunities for around 5,000 people. Experts opine that it would not only prove to be ecofriendly but economically viable. It would give India a competitive edge in the export market. Right now, production of organic tea is very low in the country despite a growing export market.