Climate change, Nepal tea imports hit Darjeeling tea industry

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Tea planters in North Bengal on Friday expressed concern over the impact of climate change on production and the continued influx of Nepal tea into Indian markets, saying the twin challenges have caused heavy losses to the industry.

At the annual general meeting of the Terai Branch of Indian Tea Association (TBITA), planters said erratic weather, flash floods and landslides over the past year had damaged tea bushes and workers’ houses, while also affecting quality and export prospects.

The industry suffered an estimated loss of over Rs. 50 crore last year due to climate-related factors, they said.

“Climate change has impacted Darjeeling more harshly than any other region. Production losses over the years have resulted in the loss of key markets. Darjeeling is a name the world associates with tea, often called the champagne of teas, and we need to collectively address these challenges,” Indian Tea Association vice-chairperson Atul Rastogi told reporters after the meeting.

Rastogi said the crisis facing Darjeeling tea was deep-rooted and required government intervention. “The production volume of 5 to 5.5 million kg is small, but this is a challenging time for Darjeeling and it needs greater support. I don’t have an immediate solution as the problem is much deeper,” he said.

Planters also flagged losses caused by the alleged illegal entry of Nepal tea into India through porous borders in north Bengal and Bihar.

ITA secretary general Arijit Raha said concerns over the issue had been raised repeatedly, but the influx continued. He requested the government to take appropriate steps.

Raha added that orthodox tea imported from Nepal, similar in character to Darjeeling tea, was increasingly entering Indian markets. “In 2024, around 14 to 15 million kg of tea was imported from Nepal, much of which is being sold as Darjeeling tea in various places,” he said.