Historical expansion of tea plantations over 150 years (1876–2023) in North Bengal, India

The historical expansion of tea agroforestry in North Bengal, India, over the past 150 years (1876–2023) is a fascinating agricultural and economic transformation journey. The region, particularly the Bengal-Dooars area encompassing Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts, has seen significant transformations driven by the cultivation of Camellia sinensis (Tea). During the British colonial period, tea estates (TE) rapidly grew due to favourable conditions. The use of remote sensing technology has further facilitated the efficient management and expansion of the Tea agroforestry ecosystem. From an initial 331 hectares, the area under TE expanded to about 95,800 hectares by 2023. New plantations, modern agricultural practices, and technological advancements drove this growth. While tea plantations boosted the local economy and employment, they also impacted the environment, particularly tree cover. Overall, the historical expansion of TE in North Bengal reflects a complex interplay of economic development, agricultural innovation, and environmental change. This transformation remains to shape the region’s landscape and economy today.