Devastating rain and hailstorm hits Assam's Barak Valley tea industry

Heavy rainfall and hailstorms have dealt a severe blow to the tea industry in Assam's Barak Valley, causing widespread damage across several tea estates. Aditya Chakraborty, the secretary of the Surma Valley branch of the Indian Tea Association (SVBITA), highlighted the significant impact on gardens such as Koomber, Coombergram, Rosekandy, and others in Cachar and Hailakandi districts. The damage extends beyond tea bushes, affecting factory infrastructure, staff quarters, and even power supply, exacerbating the situation.

Chakraborty expressed concerns about the second flush tea yield, crucial for the industry, which accounts for a substantial portion of total production.

 The hailstorms have not only harmed tea bushes on the brink of second flush yield but also disrupted normal operations, leading to a significant drop in production. With frequent power interruptions compounding the challenges, the recovery period for the industry is estimated to be at least two months.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of Assam's tea sector to adverse weather conditions and the urgent need for mitigation strategies. The collaboration between industry associations and relevant authorities becomes imperative to address the immediate challenges and ensure the resilience of the tea industry in the face of such natural disasters.