The United Planters’ Association of Southern India was founded in 1893 and is the apex organisation of the producers of tea, coffee, rubber and other spices in the southern States of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Affiliated to the UPASI are the three State Planters’ Associations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and about 25 district and other associations in these States.
The plantation industry produces about Rs 2,200 crore worth of products annually, netting a foreign exchange of Rs 650 crores and offering employment to over 8 lakh workers thereby making a significant contribution to national development.
The UPASI is an important link between the Government and the industry, and plays a key-role in the formulation of policy for the industry. The well-researched papers presented by it are a valuable input towards that end. A well-equipped Tea Research Institute is an asset to the Association. The achievement of UPASI in this sphere is matched by its efforts aimed at development and social welfare of the rural population in the plantations. The voluntary socio-economic schemes operated by the Association include family welfare, health education, training on tea cultivation and horticulture through a Krishi Vigyan Kendra as well as education of small and marginal farmers on developments in agriculture technology.
The United Planters’ Association is synonymous with the growth of the plantation industry in Southern India. To commemorate the centenary of the Association, the Department of Posts is happy to bring out a postage stamp which captures, in many colours, the products of this world of plantations. The First Day cover shows the Head-quarter building of UPASI at Coonoor, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India