Darjeeling Tea in Crisis — What Went Wrong?

Darjeeling tea is one of India’s most iconic exports — but behind the famous name, the industry is facing a serious crisis. In 1990, Darjeeling produced 14.49 million kg of tea. By 2025, that figure had fallen to just 5.6 million kg — a decline of more than 60%. So, what went wrong? In this report, we look at the multiple challenges facing Darjeeling’s tea industry — from climate change and erratic rainfall to ageing tea bushes, declining yields, labour shortages and rising production costs. We also examine the impact of the 104-day shutdown in 2017, the loss of international buyers and the growing competition from tea imported from Nepal. The numbers reveal a widening financial gap. While Darjeeling tea’s average auction price was around ₹421 per kg in 2025, industry sources put production costs at ₹550 per kg or more. We also look at the ₹113 crore annual support package proposed by the Indian Tea Association, the challenges of reopening closed gardens, the future of thousands of tea workers, and what it could take to make Darjeeling tea sustainable for the next generation. This is not just a story about tea. It is about workers, families, plantations, local economies and the future of one of Darjeeling’s most recognisable identities. Watch the full report: Darjeeling Tea in Crisis — What Went Wrong? 📍 The Cord — Siliguri, Darjeeling Hills & Sikkim 📩 Follow us for more detailed stories and ground reports from the region. #DarjeelingTea #Darjeeling #TeaIndustry #TeaCrisis #WestBengal #NepalTea #TeaWorkers #ClimateChange #IndianTea #TheCord