Four-month long dry spell may take a toll on the 'Champagne of teas'

Lower crop expected in South India; Munnar, Nilgirs impacted by weather conditions

A dry spell for more than four months is casting its shadow on production of first flush in Darjeeling, North Bengal, popularly referred to as the ‘Champagne of teas’.

What makes the first flush so important is that it accounts for 15-20 per cent of the crop in Darjeeling, but 35-40 per cent of revenues for the year. And roughly about 60-65 per cent is exported. But dry weather conditions are threatening this delicate and floral batch of teas with muscatel notes that make the world’s finest cuppa or the 'Champagne of teas'.

The last good rainfall was early October and the accrued deficit was about one inch by the end of February. “If it doesn’t rain by March 15, then the loss in the first flush could be to the extent of 40-50 per cent,” said S Sannigrahi, senior principal scientist, Tea Research Association, Darjeeling Advisory Centre.

Even if it does rain in the next few days, it’s unlikely to make up for the deficit. “The result of any rainfall will be felt only a fortnight later. So, there will be a crop loss. And if the first flush is impacted, it will likely take a toll on the second flush as well,” Sannigrahi explained.

Anshuman Kanoria, chairman, Indian Tea Exporters Association, pointed out that the top first flush teas are airlifted by importers in different countries to bring it to the table as quickly as possible. “Sea shipments normally start in April.”

As of now, Kanoria said though the first flush looked challenging from a crop and quality aspect, it was difficult to take a call. “Gardens at lower elevations have already been hit. But we have not reached the point where it can’t be salvaged for parts of the district.”

Erratic rainfall is not new in Darjeeling – the region recorded its lowest production in two decades last year (2022) at 6.6 million kg (mkg). But right now, among the tea growing regions, it's a trouble spot from a weather perspective.  

Dooars, about 100 km from Darjeeling in North Bengal, is better off, while Upper Assam is currently in a relatively good place.

Vikram Singh Gulia, managing director, Amalgamated Plantations Pvt Ltd, said there was some rain in February in Dooars and Assam that would help with the initial crop till mid-March. “However, if more rain in March, and subsequently in April, is not received then the crop for end-March till May will be adversely impacted,” he added.

Arijit Raha, secretary general, Indian Tea Association (ITA), said that delay in rainfall could create drought-like conditions, which if prolonged, would have an adverse fallout on the crop across all regions of North India.

North India – comprising primarily West Bengal and Assam – accounts for about 83 per cent of the country's tea production. Crop conditions in Upper Assam are understood to be much better.

Himanshu Shah, chairman, M K Shah Exports, said, "The situation in Upper Assam is very good; rains in 2023, so far, were higher than last year. North Bank, Golaghat, Jorhat, are slightly deficient. But no worries on crop so far.”

But he he added that going forward, if there is the El Nino effect and less rain, then things may change.

Dry weather conditions have taken a toll on production in South India, though. Sanjith R Nair, secretary, The United Planters’ Association (UPASI), said, in some regions in South India like Munnar, about 550-600 hectares was impacted by frost in the month of February. “So, there, we are anticipating a 20-25 per cent decline in crop. Nilgiris will also see a 20-22 per cent lower crop due to dry weather conditions. Overall, South India in the first quarter will have a low crop compared to last year.”