Reading the tea leaves: Low production stirs chai industry's teapot

TROUBLE IN THE BREW: Scanty rainfall, pest attacks, low prices, and muted demand from some export markets

The tea industry’s cup of woes brimmeth — scanty rainfall and pest attacks have dragged down production in May, prices are lower than last year, and demand from some export markets is muted.

Production in North Bengal — comprising the Dooars, Terai, and Darjeeling — is majorly affected; parts of Assam are also hit.

Arijit Raha, secretary general, Indian Tea Association (ITA), said that the Tea Board numbers for April show a crop loss of about 9 per cent for North Bengal, compared to last year.

“Based on feedback from member gardens, the production for May is showing sharp decline