Tea belt is suffering from heat wave and lack of rainfall

SILIGURI: Unprecedented heat-wave prevailing in Dooars and Sub Himalayan region and largely inadequate rainfall there have put Tea, the economic backbone of NB, into deep crisis. Experts fear the production to take a nose dive soon causing immense damage to the local economy.

According to the Meteorological record, mercury has already touched 37.9 degree Celsius in Dooars against long term average maximum temperature of around 32 Degree Celsius there in April.

During the month the tea belt had only around 32.1mm rainfall against long term average of over 115.2 during the month. Similar is the situation with Terai region too.

"Temperature wise, the upward trend has been noticed to be is very pronounced during recent past. This is something important," said meteorologists.

Tea gardens are predominantly dependent on own irrigation set up. But, "Not all can maintain this expensive measure properly, especially the small tea growers," said Tea Association of India officials.

According to Mr. V Dhandhania, President TAI, overall production has already gone down in the tune of 25 per cent to 30 per cent. The yield in May is also likely to get badly affected due to the scenario. And the downfall is prevailing in almost entire tea belt in north Bengal as well as North East India.

While explaining the technical side of the crisis, eminent tea scientist Dr. SE Kabir said, "Tea plant is basically a chill loving one. Excessive heat denaturizes plant proteins and causes reduction in photosynthesis those severely retard growth of new leaves. Most of the tea plantations of the region have already started suffering due to this."

More importantly, higher than average temperature this year has caused above average multiplication rate of harmful mites and insects like Red Spider.

"These parasites suck out the leave juice and kill it," said Dr Kabeer. As a matter of fact, in few gardens along NH34, tea bushes have become red due to large colonies of the spider. "Even over 15 per cent increase in pesticide usage could not help it out," cried many plantation owners.

However, not all hopes are lost, meteorologists said, "During April May, rainfall takes place in pockets and in unpredictable fashion. So, even a single spell can largely alter the scenario in positive direction."