Srimangal, known as tea capital, has been experiencing incessant rain and stroking wind for the last few days after the region was hit hard by a long drought and heat wave. As a result, tree gardens are getting a new lease of life.
People related with the tea industry said although rain is considered to be blessings for the tea garden, but downpour can cause heavy loss to the tea gardens.
Weather observation office in Srimangal said it recorded 40mm rainfall on Saturday and 41.9mm rainfall (upto 3pm) on Sunday. The weather office predicted heavy rainfall until June 24.
When this correspondent visited some tea gardens in the upazila, he found that the withered leaves of tea are getting new life. And the whole garden has turned green which became yellow due to drought and downpour. The trees are budding and they are getting back their beauty.
A small number of tea garden workers were seen in the garden due to weekly holiday and rain. Those who worked in the morning returned home.
Rony Bhoumik, manager of Clonel tea garden in Srimangal said,“Some days back we had to face sufferings when we went to water the tea garden artificially for want of water as underground water level dropped in the garden area. Now, we have heaved a sigh of relief due to sufficient rain.”
On the other hand, workers are facing troubles to perform their duties in the section due to downpours and lighning. Because, two workers died and some were injured by lightning. So, they are frightened to work in the garden, the manager added.
The manager further said although there are a plenty of leaves in the garden, the workers cannot pick the leaves due to rains and mosquito menace is another big reason.
Deputy General Manager of Ispahani Tea Garden Selim Reza said, “No alternative to rain for the tea garden. Even some days back we had to wait for rain and watered the garden in alternative way. High temperature and drought had affected the garden. In many gardens tea plants were not budding. No-budding, water crisis, attack by red spiders were prevailing in almost all the gardens. But plants got life means freshness due to rain. But heavy rain is not beneficial for the tea garden. Because, stagnant water rots the root of the plants.