Posted 1/7/2024, 10:05:22 PM
Darjeeling Tea Output Drops to 50-Year Low Amid Garden Closures, Labor Shortages
- Darjeeling tea production fell 9% in 2023 to estimated 6.1-6.3 million kg, potentially the lowest output in over 50 years
- Production decline attributed to 10 closed gardens, worker shortage affecting plucking, and climate change
- Average auction price fell 7.6% to Rs 315/kg, the lowest since 2015
- Just over 20% of production sold at auction as most Darjeeling tea sold privately
- Annual production in 1990s was around 11-12 million kg, much higher than 2023 levels