Tea Growers Face Crisis as Factories Halt Purchases

Small tea growers in north Bengal are facing a crisis because factories that buy their tea leaves have stopped purchasing unless the leaves have a special report showing they are safe.

This report, called an MRL compliance report, checks for harmful chemicals.

The factories say this is to protect their market and the reputation of north Bengal tea.

The growers, however, say they don't have a good way to get their tea leaves tested on time because tea leaves spoil quickly.

They are worried this will hurt their livelihoods, as selling tea leaves is their main source of income.

The growers have asked the state government to help find a solution.