Kolkata, October 7 (Udaipur Kiran): Continuous heavy rainfall and recurring landslides over the past several days have severely impacted the tea industry in North Bengal, particularly in the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions.
According to initial estimates, the economic loss to the industry has exceeded ₹100 crore.
Ram Avatar Sharma, Secretary of the Dooars branch of the Tea Association of India, said a detailed assessment is underway, but preliminary reports confirm that the losses are not less than ₹100 crore. “In my knowledge, the tea industry in North Bengal has never faced such extensive damage before. The sector urgently needs government assistance to recover,” he added.
The disaster has affected the industry at two levels. First, many tea gardens in the hills, Terai, and Dooars have suffered severe damage, disrupting the plucking of leaves at the ‘two leaves and a bud’ stage. Second, processed tea leaves stored in factories and warehouses have been damaged due to waterlogging, causing significant financial losses.
Preliminary assessments suggest that out of 276 tea gardens, around 30 have been severely affected by floods and landslides, with the Terai region being the worst hit, where nearly 15 gardens have sustained heavy damage.
Officials from the Tea Association of India clarified that these are initial estimates, and the exact number of affected estates and the final loss figures will be determined after a comprehensive survey.
Industry experts believe that the sharp decline in production and damage to plantations could lead to a rise in tea prices in the coming months.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.