Guwahati, Sept. 2 -- The tea industry in Assam and West Bengal, one of India's oldest and most iconic sectors, is battling a severe crisis.

Falling auction prices, weak demand, rising imports, and export uncertainties have put millions of livelihoods at risk.

The Indian Tea Association (ITA) has called for urgent government intervention to prevent long-term damage.

Auction centres in Kolkata, Guwahati, and Siliguri have seen sharp price drops since July. Tea Board data shows North India's average auction prices fell nearly 6 per cent between April and July 2025, with further declines later. In some cases, rates fell by up to Rs 74 per kg.

Rising production-up 27 per cent in West Bengal and nearly 5 per cent in Assam-has worsened the s...