Archive · 1 Aug 2025
North Bengal Tea Growers Protest Low Prices, Substandard Tea
Tea farmers in North Bengal are upset.
They say some factories are buying cheap tea waste from Assam and making bad tea.
They are losing money because they have to sell their tea leaves for very little.
They want the government to make sure all tea is sold at auctions, so they get a fair price.
They also want help for Darjeeling tea farmers and permission to pick tea leaves for longer to earn more money.
Small tea growers in North Bengal allege BLFs are buying tea waste and producing inferior quality tea.
Growers demonstrated in front of the Tea Board zonal office, submitting a memorandum.
Growers struggle to sell tea leaves at low prices that don't cover production costs.
They seek 100% tea sales through auction centers to ensure fair pricing.
Growers request a special package for Darjeeling Tea and an extension of the plucking season.
- Who
- Small tea growers, the West Bengal United Forum of Small Tea Growers’ Associations (WBUFSTGA), and the Tea Board.
- What
- Small tea growers are accusing BLFs of producing inferior tea using tea waste and are seeking government intervention.
- When
- Currently, with issues arising from the existing tea market practices.
- Where
- North Bengal, particularly the tea-producing districts and Tea Park in New Jalpaiguri.
- Why
- Due to concerns about low tea leaf prices and the production of low-quality tea affecting their livelihoods.
Growers' Concerns
No opposing views (as of the provided article)
Quality Concerns
Growers' Concerns
BLFs are using tea waste from Assam to create inferior tea, hurting quality and prices.
No opposing views (as of the provided article)
N/A
Economic Impact
Growers' Concerns
Current prices for tea leaves do not cover production costs.
No opposing views (as of the provided article)
N/A
Fair Pricing
Growers' Concerns
Tea sales are not conducted through auctions, leading to unfair prices.
No opposing views (as of the provided article)
N/A
- Allegation
- BLFs using tea waste to produce inferior tea
- Growers' Plea
- 100% auction of tea sales
- Geographic Focus
- North Bengal
- Key Issue
- Low prices for tea leaves
