The tea industry in Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with challenges posed by climate change and changing weather patterns, with annual production declining again in 2025.
In Himachal, tea is primarily grown in Kangra district, and the crop is largely rain-fed with limited irrigation facilities. (File) According to the details shared by Tea Board India officials, the hill state’s tea output dropped to 8.8 lakh kg in 2025. It had produced nearly 9 lakh kg in 2024, a sharp fall from over 11 lakh kg recorded in 2023. In 2025, tea plucking began on a weak note in April following a dry winter season in the state. Tea growers have expressed concern over changing weather patterns and their adverse impact on cultivation.
In Himachal, tea is primarily grown in Kangra district, and the crop is largely rain-fed with limited irrigation facilities. Kangra Valley Small Tea Planters Association president Suksham Butail said that over the past two years, there has been inadequate rainfall during the winter season, which affected the spring flush of the crop. “A drought-like situation in winter affects the spring flush. This flush is crucial as its quality is high and it commands better prices in the market. Then, due to heavy rainfall during the three months of the monsoon season, plucking was impacted. Those who do not have mechanised plucking facilities could not carry out plucking due to the heavy rain,” he said.
“The situation seems critical this year as well, as we have witnessed less rainfall during this winter season. I believe this will impact the spring crop due to the lack of moisture,” Butail added.
Notably, in February so far, Himachal has recorded 81% rainfall d
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