North Bengal Tea Industry Faces Significant Crop Shortage Amid Heatwave and Drought

The North Bengal tea industry is confronting a severe crisis as a prolonged heatwave and lack of rainfall have led to a 30-35% crop shortage in the region's 500 tea gardens. The adverse weather conditions, with temperatures soaring above the optimal range of 28-30°C and no significant rainfall in recent months, have caused tea bushes to turn red and cease leaf growth, directly impacting tea production.

Tea planters in North Bengal have expressed grave concerns about the industry's sustainability, emphasizing that the situation could further deteriorate if the region does not receive adequate rainfall within the next ten days. The potential consequences include a staggering 50% crop shortage, which would have far-reaching implications for the tea industry and the livelihoods of those dependent on it.

Experts attribute the current crisis to the lack of precipitation, which is critical for the tea industry's growth and leaf production. The tea bushes require a delicate balance of temperature and moisture to thrive, and the ongoing heatwave and drought-like conditions have disrupted this equilibrium, leading to the alarming crop shortage.

Why this matters: The North Bengal tea industry's crisis has significant implications for the region's economy and the livelihoods of thousands of tea workers. As one of the major tea-producing regions in India, the crop shortage could lead to supply chain disruptions, increased tea prices, and potential job losses in the sector.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the tea industry. Some tea gardens have resorted to artificial irrigation systems to sustain the bushes, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. The North Bengal tea industry collectively contributed around 640 million kg of tea last year, highlighting the scale of the potential impact of the current crisis.

Key Takeaways

• North Bengal tea industry faces 30-35% crop shortage due to heatwave and lack of rainfall.
• Potential for 50% crop shortage if adequate rainfall not received within 10 days.
• Disruption in temperature and moisture balance has adversely impacted tea bushes and production.
• Crisis has significant implications for the region's economy and tea workers' livelihoods.
• India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for severe heatwave in the region.