MP sounds alarm in Parliament on deepening crisis in tea sector

Raising the alarm over the deepening crisis in India's tea sector, Darjeeling Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan (photo) Shringla today used the Zero Hour in Parliament to urge urgent corrective action, warning that the livelihoods of millions and the country's tea heritage are at stake.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Mr Shringla noted that while the industry directly employs over one million workers and supports nearly six million people, it is now reeling under a combination of climate stress, shrinking forest cover, acute labour shortages, price instability and a surge in low-quality imports. Imports from African countries and Nepal, he said, have risen by 45 per cent in the first half of 2025, eroding both market stability and the global reputation of Darjeeling tea.