Darjeeling tea industry hit by drought

Severe drought conditions have adversely affected Darjeeling's tea industry, which was earlier hit by an ongoing struggle for autonomy in the region.

Darjeeling Tea Association President Sanjay Bansal told PTI that although the garden unions owing allegiance to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had unconditionally withdrawn their demands on March 14, the drought conditions may hit the output.

Although there was no embargo on movement of tea in Darjeeling at the moment, the drought could ruin the crop prospect.