Twin Blows To Darjeeling Tea Industry: Low Yield and Reduced Prices
The Darjeeling tea industry, world-famous for its aromatic tea, witnessed depressed economic conditions by at least 10-15%. This fall in demand has led to reduced prices in traditional markets such as western Europe and Japan. Production volumes of the 87-odd Darjeeling tea gardens plummeted to 6.5-7 million kilograms in 2022 against 7.01 million kgs in 2021.
Indian Tea Exporters Association chairman Anshuman Kanoria said, “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”. Kanoria also explained that the one-time subsidy is required to keep the industry afloat and prevent sales of gardens to real estate players.
Read More On: The Times of India