2023-04-22 21:35:00
Tea weevils are a threat to the plantation sector
Kochi: With the steep decline in tea production in India, there is a huge crisis in the plantation sector. The decline in production is due to the proliferation of tea weevils which threaten the tea plantations. The crisis was compounded when these pests, which were found only in the low-lying areas, reached the plantations in the high-lying areas. They grow by sucking the juice from the leaves and stems of the tea plant and are rapidly spreading to the plantations. They are also a threat to mango orchards.
Production is halved
During 2009-2010, tea production in Valpara region was 3 crore kg per annum, but by 2021-2022, it has increased to 1.67 crore kg. With production halved and costs rising, plantation sectors are in crisis. It costs more than Rs 12,000 per hectare per year to apply pesticides but is not effective.
The United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) has demanded that the regulations be changed to allow the application of more effective pesticides in this situation. Only seven pesticides are permitted in South India under the Crop Protection Act. The association also stated that if the government does not immediately initiate action to eradicate the tea weevils, the plantation areas will be destroyed.
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