Timely rainfall during March and April has brought much-needed relief to tea growers in the Kangra valley, significantly improving the outlook for the region’s renowned crop. Plantations had suffered extensive damage due to prolonged dry conditions in December and January, which impacted the crop badly. However, subsequent rain helped restore the moisture level and revive the affected bushes, raising hopes of a strong recovery this season. Tea plucking in the Kangra valley commences in April.
Many tea growers are intentionally postponing the plucking process for a few days, anticipating fresh sprouting of tender leaves following recent showers. Growers are optimistic that improved weather conditions will not only enhance production but also improve the quality of tea, ensuring better returns in the market. The growing global recognition of Kangra tea is adding to this optimism.
In 2023, the European Union had acknowledged its Geographical Indication (GI) status. Kangra tea was granted the GI recognition in India in 2005 and its acceptance in European markets was expected to boost exports and increase its value in international trade. Despite these encouraging signs, the Kangra tea industry continues to face structural challenges. The area under tea cultivation has declined sharply over the years from nearly 1,800 hectares in the past to about 900 hectares at present, necessitating necessary measures to revive it.
Experts and growers attribute this decline to rising production costs, acute labour shortage and inadequate technical and financial support. While the Central Government and the Tea Board have launched several schemes to revive abandoned tea gardens, most of these have failed to deliver the desired results.
At present, only a few large tea estates in Himachal Pradesh are operational, while a majority of small and medium growers have gradually withdrawn from tea cultivation over the past two decades. The lack of sustained support from the state government for rejuvenating ageing tea bushes, many of which have outlived their productive lifespan, has aggravated the situation.
Though the diversion of tea garden land for non-agricultural purposes is prohibited, the steadily shrinking cultivated area underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective revival strategy to safeguard the future of the historic tea industry of Kangra district.