India, April 5 -- A small green-fly, not measuring more than 5mm in length, has started taking a heavy toll on the Darjeeling and Assam tea industry with production of Darjeeling tea dropping to a record low in 2024. Experts have blamed it on the climate crisis.

Data shared by the Tea Board of India reveals that the production of this world-famous brew, known for its rich aroma and unmatched flavour, dropped to 5.6 million kilos in 2024, the lowest in recent times. In 2022 and 2023 the production of Darjeeling tea was 6.9 million kilos and 6.01 million kilos respectively.

"The tea industry in West Bengal and Assam is facing a severe challenge due to widespread infestation of green flies, a pest that has emerged as a major threat over th...