In an unprecedented attack not seen in recent times, an attack by tea mosquitoes destroyed tea plants in the Assam region in May and June during the season that sees the second and best crop of the year being grown. The ruinous blight has effectively halved tea production in the region, and it is expected that prices will rise steeply in turn. The price per kilo has already climbed to INR15-20 (US$0.21-0.32).

The crippling pest attack could be attributed to a population explosion precipitated by unusually heavy rains that fell for weeks which hampered containment of the pests. The region follows maximum residue limit regulations put in place by the EU and other countries, and what little is used to contain the vermin is quickly washed away by the rains. In addition, poor environmental conditions are further hampering recovery. 

The region faced severe rainfall straight after the devastating pest attack on tea crops during this year’s spring. The overall tea output for the region is very likely to miss the 735 million kg mark posted in 2009, falling 10 million kg short in total so far due to the two earlier mishaps, and the rest of the year was deemed not sufficient for any reasonable recovery to make up for the loss. 

Affected companies operating in the region include Apeejay Tea, Assam Co., M.K. Shah Exports, McLeod Russell and Warren Tea.