Tea production in India is forecast to drop by at least 160 million kilograms in 2024, as reported by the Tea Association of India (TAI). Adverse weather conditions, including erratic rainfall and extreme heat, have severely impacted tea-growing regions, particularly Assam and West Bengal. Pest infestations and rising costs have further strained the industry, leading to concerns about profitability.
The Tea Association of India (TAI) announced that tea production in 2024 is expected to fall by 160–170 million kilograms, compared to last year, due to a combination of unfavorable weather and pest issues. North Indian tea-producing regions have been hit hardest, with Assam recording an 11% drop in output and West Bengal experiencing a 21% decline by July 2024.
The unprecedented weather pattern saw insufficient rainfall early in the year, followed by excessive rain in June and July. This led to weakened tea bushes, worsening the crop outlook. Pest infestations, including the spread of Helopeltis and Looper Caterpillar, have also escalated the situation, with tea estates reporting substantial damage.
Sandeep Singhania, President of TAI, emphasized that both the environmental conditions and regulatory challenges, including the limited number of approved chemicals for pest control, have significantly affected production. While tea prices in North India have risen by approximately 13% due to supply shortages, the increase has not compensated for the sharp decline in output. Furthermore, export prices have dropped by 4%, adding to the industry’s challenges.
The tea industry in North India is calling for government support, particularly in West Bengal, to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and ensure future stability amidst rising costs and unfavorable conditions.