Scorching April heat threatens Kangra’s tea industry

Exceptionally hot weather conditions driven by global warming and a prolonged dry spell are severely affecting tea gardens in Dharamsala and other parts of Kangra district. With April just beginning, temperatures have already crossed 30°C, spelling trouble for the region’s prized tea industry.

Unlike other states where tea plucking extends for nearly 10 months, Kangra’s plucking season lasts from April to October. With the season just starting, planters are already grappling with poor output. Amanpal Singh, Manager of Dharamsala Tea Company, expressed disappointment, saying the season has begun on a bad note again. He emphasized that both quality and quantity have been negatively impacted due to the soaring temperatures, which have exceeded the optimal range. Tea leaves thrive at temperatures between 22–26°C with high humidity—conditions far from what Kangra is experiencing.

Hem Chander Aggarwal, Factory Advisory Officer for Tea Board India, attributed the slow growth of tea saplings to a sharp difference between day and night temperatures. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that yields may improve if the weather stabilises in the coming days. Last year, Kangra district recorded a 15% decline in tea production, totaling around 10 lakh kg.

Rajiv Kumar Sood, founder and estate owner of Himalayan Brew, highlighted the importance of the April harvest, most of which is exported to Europe due to its premium quality. He expressed concern over the unregulated urbanisation in the region, which has disrupted the microclimate and impacted tea production. According to him, tea plantations not only support the environment by preventing soil erosion and aiding oxygen fixation but also contribute to tourism and women’s employment. About 60% of his 300 employees are women.

Rajiv has also established a tea outlet in his Dharamsala plantation, which has become a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can be seen enjoying fresh tea while surrounded by the lush green fields—though the fields now await the much-needed relief from the harsh weather.

Himachal Tribune