Electricity Crisis Disrupts Tea Processing in Habiganj

A severe electricity crisis and frequent load shedding are severely disrupting tea processing and drying operations across 23 tea gardens located in the Madhabpur and Chunarughat upazilas of Habiganj, Bangladesh. The negative impact of this ongoing power crisis has directly affected five tea gardens in Madhabpur upazila and eighteen tea gardens in Chunarughat upazila, casting a shadow over regional production.

According to verified local conditions, electricity supply fluctuates unpredictably throughout a 24-hour cycle, with power coming and going for approximately six to eight hours each day. This persistent instability creates significant operational challenges for tea producers who rely on a steady power supply to manage delicate agricultural timelines.

Highlighting the critical nature of the timeline, Sujit Saha explained the intricate process required to maintain quality. He noted that after tender leaves are collected from the garden, they must be brought to the factory and processed within a specific timeframe to produce high-quality tea. This work demands uninterrupted electricity, but because load shedding occurs day and night, production must continue under highly adverse conditions.

To mitigate the crisis, some gardens have attempted to rely on diesel-powered generators to maintain operations. However, the heavy financial burden of additional fuel costs makes it impossible to keep these backup generators running for extended periods, leaving facilities vulnerable to ongoing grid failures.

Addressing the broader industrial implications of the shortage, Moni Hossain emphasized the potential for increased output under stable conditions. He stated that if tea factories were treated as industrial enterprises and provided with round-the-clock electricity according to their actual needs, it would be possible to produce even greater quantities of tea.