Heat wave affects teaplants in north Bengal

EOI, SILIGURI, APRIL 19, 2023 : The current heat wave which has also seared north Bengal has badly affected the tea industry, the backbone of the economy of the region. Tea leaves are turning red due to the intense heat and absence of rain. 

The tea leaves are not growing. Besides, different types of insects are infesting the young tea leaves; leaving the teagarden owners a worried lot. 

The districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in north Bengal which account for the bulk of the tea output in West Bengal have a climate conducive for tea plantation. The optimum temperature for tea cultivation is between 18 and20 degrees Celsius. Generally, in the north Bengal weather, the temperature fluctuates between these. 

In the past few days, however, the temperature in north Bengal, too, has increased sharply. The mercury is touching 38 degrees Celsius, which is thought to be a big blow to tea plantations, say tea barons. 

The sweltering heat has affected the rate of tea plucking as well. According to sources in the tea industry, the first flush did well because of the conducive weather in the spring, but the second flush would have to take the beating. 

Chairman of Terai India Planters Association Mahendra Bansal said: “We will have to suffer a loss this year. Due to the intense heat, the tea leaves have been greatly affected. The leaves are not growing and insect attack is on the rise. The new saplings that have been planted are dying.”