The Tea Association of India has expressed concern over the dramatic decrease in tea production in North India, citing a lack of rainfall and excessive heat as the main contributors to this crisis. The association predicts a staggering 60 million kilogram drop in production by the end of June 2024 compared to the previous year, leading to liquidity issues that could jeopardize the future of the industry. Assam and West Bengal, two prominent tea-growing states, have seen production declines of 8 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively, up to April 2024, with May bringing even more significant reductions. The severe deficit in rainfall during the critical early growing season has resulted in wilting tea bushes and low yields, particularly affecting the prized first and second flushes.
The Tea Board of India’s latest data reveals a grim outlook for Assam and West Bengal, with production declines reaching 20 per cent and 40 per cent in May. The detrimental effects of the weather conditions on tea production have been exacerbated by the arrival of the southwest monsoon in late May, bringing heavy rainfall that has led to waterlogging and reduced photosynthesis. While initial rainfall was welcomed, the excessive precipitation and lack of sunshine have further hindered production. The India Meteorological Department reports that rainfall levels have been significantly above normal in West Bengal and Assam in the first half of June, worsening the already dire situation for tea producers.
Tea, being a rain-fed crop, relies heavily on consistent precipitation to thrive, making the lack of rainfall especially detrimental to its growth and productivity. The phenomenon of wilting tea bushes not only impacts immediate yields, but also poses a threat to the long-term health and productivity of the plants. The absence of adequate rain has particularly affected the production of the highly valued first and second flushes, which are known for their quality and profitability for tea producers. The Tea Association of India emphasizes the urgent need for intervention to address the challenges faced by the industry and prevent further disruptions to tea production in North India.
The Tea Association of India is urgently calling for intervention to address the challenges faced by the industry and prevent further disruptions to tea production in North India. The severe deficit in rainfall during the early growing season has led to wilting tea bushes and low yields, particularly affecting the prized first and second flushes. The excessive heat and lack of rain have significantly impacted the production of tea in Assam and West Bengal, leading to a liquidity crisis that threatens the future viability of the industry. The southwest monsoon, which brought heavy rainfall in late May, has further disrupted production by causing waterlogging and reduced photosynthesis. Immediate action is needed to support tea producers and ensure the sustainability of the tea industry in North India.
The Tea Association of India is urging stakeholders to come together and address the challenges faced by the tea industry in North India. The unprecedented drop in tea production due to a lack of rainfall and excessive heat has created a liquidity crisis that poses a threat to the future viability of the industry. The severe deficit in rainfall during the critical early growing season has resulted in wilting tea bushes and decreased yields, particularly affecting the highly valued first and second flushes. The excessive precipitation from the southwest monsoon has further exacerbated the situation by causing waterlogging and reduced photosynthesis, hindering production. It is crucial for immediate action to be taken to support tea producers and ensure the sustainability of the tea industry in North India.
