Stakeholders of tea industry in Bengal breathed a sigh of relief on Friday as chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the sector could engage its entire workforce from June 1.

After the nationwide lockdown had come into effect from March 24, plucking of leaves and other activities completely stopped in the tea industry.

In April, the Centre announced a waiver for the tea industry and allowed engagement of half of the workforce.

“The Bengal government, however, allowed engagement of only 25 per cent of the workforce. Eventually, after repeated requests from our side, it was increased to 50 per cent. However, the industry was still bearing losses as the tea production’s peaks season is from May to September and as only half of the labourers were allowed, none of the estates could perk up production,” said Sanjoy Bagchi, secretary, Indian Tea Association, Dooars branch.

Sumit Ghosh, secretary, Tea Association of India, Terai branch, said: It is good that the state has finally allowed us to engage the entire workforce from June 1. It would largely help the industry in scaling up production from June. Also, in recent times, there was a steady demand of Indian tea from a number of countries and if the industry can come up with quality tea, it can help mitigate losses.”

He also said the industry had to cope with the crisis at the commencement of the season when it produced first flush tea, which fetches best prices both at domestic and overseas markets.

A senior planter also pointed out that there had been a rise in auction prices in recent months in Bengal and Assam, the two states which produce major portion of Indian tea.

“The decline in production during the lockdown has, however, contributed to a correction in the imbalance between demand and supply to some extent in the domestic market. There has been a rise in tea prices at auctions and if this trend continues, it would benefit the industry in the coming months,” the planter said.

Additional reporting by our Alipurduar correspondent