Panchagarh, Jan 18 (V7N) — Tea processing factories in Panchagarh district have been closed for two consecutive months to facilitate proper pruning of tea gardens. During this period, no tea leaves will be harvested, ensuring uninterrupted maintenance activities.

Arif Khan, Officer-in-Charge of the Bangladesh Tea Board's regional office in Panchagarh, confirmed the closure on Saturday morning. He stated, "The decision has been taken to carry out pruning activities smoothly from January 1 to February 28. This will result in the growth of new tea leaves and improve the quality of tea production in the next cycle."

Tea cultivation in the plains of Panchagarh began in 2000, and production expanded across 10,000 acres of land in Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, Dinajpur, and Nilphamari.

However, challenges in the industry have impacted production this season. Severe drought and disputes over fair pricing for tea leaves have led to a decrease in output, with production down by 3.4 million kilograms compared to last year. Additionally, tea garden owners have destroyed 1,000 acres of tea plantation land due to these difficulties.

Despite these challenges, the Bangladesh Tea Board remains optimistic that the pruning initiative will help rejuvenate the gardens and improve tea quality in the coming season.

END/MSS/AJ