During the first two months, production of tea dropped by 7,18,000 kg, while tea production during January and February 1998 was 3,69,50,000 kg, it declined to 3,62,32,000 kg during the same period this year.

On a desegregated basis, tea production in south India suffered a decline of 38,67,000 kg during January and February 1999. However, production in north Indian gardens increased by over 31,49,000 kg during the same period this year.

In the month of February 1999, tea production had fallen also in north Indian gardens by 1,18,000 kg. During February 1998, production in north India was 8,62,000 kg, which had declined to 7,44,000 kg during the same period this year.

For West Bengal, aggregate production during the first two months of January and February this year was 30,00,000 kg, higher by 6,16,000 kg over the last year.

Meanwhile, UNIadds from Jalpaiguri: Tea gardens in north Bengal have already lost valuable first flush tea because of continuous drought despite rains two days ago.

Drought for five months was never experienced in the Dooars of Jalpaiguri district during the last 50 years, according to DK Moitra, secretary of Dooars Branch Indian Tea Association (DBITA), Binnaguri, Dooars.

Though it rained after five months, it did not bring hail-storm. As a result in many tea gardens in Birpara area like Dumchipara, Lankapara, Tulsipara, Nantapara among others the damages has been to the extent of 30 to 50 per cent.

Crop in about 12 per cent of the gardens, which sustained damage due to hail, would suffer a production till end April. Like March this year, the crop in April would also be less compared to April 1998, Moitra added.