Darjeeling tea industry hit by lower yield, reduced prices
The Hindu
Many gardens in Darjeeling are on the verge of closure as operations cannot be sustained, Indian Tea Exporters Association chairman Anshuman Kanoria said, adding that the association had been trying to sensitise the Tea Board on the burning issue.
Planters of Darjeeling, the premium tea belt of the country, are worried by the twin blows of falling productivity and low price realisation in their export markets.
Depressed economic conditions in traditional markets such as western Europe and Japan have led to reduced prices being offered, industry bodies said on May 30.
Production volumes of the 87-odd Darjeeling tea gardens, which used to be in the region of more than 8 million kilograms per year, have plummeted to 6.5-7 million kilograms, primarily due to old bushes, climate change and pest attacks, planters said.
"The Darjeeling tea industry is in ICU. The cost of production has increased, while due to the unfavourable climate, the crop is declining. Exports, which had been the mainstay of the premium tea, are also declining owing to the depressed economic conditions of western Europe and Japan coupled with stagnant unit price realisations," Indian Tea Exporters Association chairman Anshuman Kanoria said.
Many gardens in Darjeeling are on the verge of closure as operations cannot be sustained, he said, adding that the association had been trying to sensitise the Tea Board on the burning issue.
Also read: Annual crop loss of 147 million kg due to pest attacks: Tea research body
"The Darjeeling tea industry has been affected by factors, which are not within its control. The industry cannot survive without government assistance by way of a one-time subsidy to be paid to the tea planters of the region and also funding for promotional activities," he said.
Flight AI177 will depart Bengaluru at 1.05 p.m. and arrive at London Gatwick at 7.05 p.m. (local time). From London Gatwick, flight AI178 will depart at 8.35 p.m. (local time) and arrive in Bengaluru at 10.50 a.m. (next day arrival). From Bengaluru, the flight will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.