New Delhi: In the absence of adverse weather conditions, the north Indian tea industry is facing a production shortfall of 60 million kg till June of the current crop year as compared to the same period last year, a tea body has estimated.

Tea industry officials said that the first and second flush crops have been damaged. In such a situation, the production of highest quality tea may decrease this year. Due to the decrease in tea production, the prices of tea may also increase.

The North Indian tea industry includes the states of Sam and West Bengal. There is no rain in this state. Due to the scorching heat, tea production is getting completely affected.

Tea production may decrease this year

Sandeep Singhania, president of the Tea Association of India (TAI), estimates that the combined crop loss till June is estimated to be 60 million kg, compared to last year's production.

Sandeep Singhania said

As reported by the member tea gardens of the association, tea gardens in Assam and West Bengal are estimated to be about 20 per cent and 40 per cent behind respectively during May 2024 as compared to last year. IMD data shows that major tea producing districts in West Bengal have received significantly less rainfall between 50 to 80 per cent and Assam between 10 to 30 per cent compared to the normal rainfall for this period.

Singhania further said that according to the data from the India Meteorological Department, West Bengal received 15-66 per cent more rain than normal, while Assam witnessed a 3-20 per cent increase compared to the average for the month. Excessive rains as well as practically no sunlight during the day have hampered crop production in both states.

Data released by the Tea Board of India shows that production has declined by around 8 per cent in Assam and around 13 per cent in West Bengal till April 2024, compared to the same period last year.