India: Terai tea sector under severe pressure, TBITA President warns

Source: thestatesman.com Despite a slight increase in tea production, the tea industry in the Terai region of India is still facing serious challenges both financially and in production due to abnormal weather, increased pests, declining auction prices, and the slow disbursement of subsidies. This was stated by Mr. Debajyoti Mallik, President of the Terai Branch of the Indian Tea Association (TBITA). Speaking at the 64th Annual General Meeting of TBITA held in Bengdubi (Siliguri) on January 30, Mr. Mallik said that as of November 2025, total tea production in India reached approximately 1.29 billion kg, an increase of 17.63 million kg (equivalent to 1.38%) compared to the same period last year. The Terai region recorded a production of 163.33 million kg, a slight increase of 1.83% compared to 2024. However, according to Mr. Mallik, severe pest infestations and unstable weather conditions negatively affected the first two harvests of the year, limiting overall growth. Regarding the ...