Overview
- The MP said low‑grade imports are being passed off as Darjeeling, eroding the GI‑protected brand in India and abroad.
- He pointed to a near 45% jump in tea imports from African countries and Nepal in the first half of 2025.
- An affidavit by the Tea Board told the Calcutta High Court that 22 of 43 Nepal samples in FY2025 failed FSSAI food‑safety parameters.
- Darjeeling output has fallen from roughly 14 million kg in the 1970s to about 5–5.5 million kg in 2024, with forest loss and soil drying pushing reliance on irrigation.
- Shringla urged tougher import checks, strict enforcement against mis‑branding, stronger protection for GI‑tagged teas, and livelihood diversification for tea communities.