The world famous Darjeeling tea production has been hit hard due to dry weather conditions at the beginning of the year but now because of excessive downpour.

According to Indian Tea Association, tea production in Darjeeling during June 2012 has come down by six percent compared to June 2011. Darjeeling produced 1.34 million kgs (mkg) tea in June, 2011. A provisional estimate of Darjeeling Tea Association shows that production during the January to June period is down by as much as 40 percent in some gardens.

Darjeeling Tea Association chairman S.H. Bagaria Thursday said, "we were not expecting drop in production in June-July period but that seems to be inevitable. July production will be down by at least 5 percent. Overall production will also be lower during the year. Next three-four months are crucial for us as bulk production comes during that period of the year."

While gardens in Darjeeling did not receive sunshine in June, excessive rainfall in the hills is threatening the crop.

The first flush, which constitutes 25 to 30 percent of Darjeeling's production was hit by dry spells during October to March period. Darjeeling tea bushes require a rainfall of around 3 to four 4 inches during October to March while it received 0.5 inches this year.

Lower rainfall was accompanied by prolonged low temperature beyond February this year.

While in 2011, gardens in Darjeeling produced 9.7 mkgs against 8.8 mkg a year ago, only 3.7 mkg was produced in the first six months this year.