Gudalur: The production of tender tea leaves in the region has come to a standstill in plantations badly affected by climate change, bringing tea production to an unprecedented halt.

Tender leaves, which used to be plucked every 15 days, have been missing from the plantations here for over a month this year. Continuous rain, thick mist and cloudy weather have triggered a severe fungal disease that attacks tender leaves.

The outbreak is rampant across the tea plantations in Gudalur and Panthalur taluks. Infected leaves, marked by white spots, must be removed, adding further burden on farmers. While minor fungal infections during the monsoon are common and usually controlled with antifungal sprays, this year’s prolonged rainfall has made those treatments ineffective.

The once lush green plantations now lie blackened. Fresh sprouts may appear if the rain eases and sunshine returns, but for that to happen, it will take time.

The halt in leaf production has forced several tea factories in Gudalur to shut down. Units that once worked round the clock now operate just once a week, leaving hundreds of workers jobless. In contrast, tea production in Kothagiri taluk has actually increased, thanks to lower rainfall.

Despite the sharp fall in production, tea prices continue to decline. Unless prices improve, the tea sector is staring at a deepening crisis.