Quinine factory restarted after 13 years

KalimNews, Mungpoo, 1 February 2014: Cinchona Factory of Mungpoo was restarted after 13 years after its closure. On 31st January 2014 the main factory for processing quinine was started which was shut down since 1999. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) had initiated to reopen the closed Cinchona industry by implementing latest technology. The factory under the Directorate of Cinchona and other medicinal plants was transferred from Department of Commerce and Industry of the state to the West Bengal Food Processing and Horticulture Department. It is now looked after by the GTA under the WBFPH department.

Last year the then Director Dr. G.C. Subba had said that in the first phase the machine meant to crush and separate the husk will be installed.
With an objective of supplying quinine from Mungpoo quinine factory the closed factory was started  on 31st January. Dr. Samuel Rai the newly appointed Director has taken initiatives for the quick reopening of the factory and could make it possible within two months of his joining. This trial run will go for 48 days and only after that the processing and supply could be made possible, said Dr. Rai. 
GTA has supported the initiative and will support it for the survival of the workers of the plantation, said a GTA official. During the reopening and commission of the factory GTA members Ratan Lama, Samuel Gurung and others were present.
Dr. Rai said equal effort from the workers and the staff is essential for the survival and progress of the factory and the plantation. If proved beneficial the revenue earned from Cinchona will be a great resource for GTA, Dr. Rai added.