Darjeeling tea has been facing nature s wrath for quite some time now. In 2022, Darjeeling tea production was 6.93 million kg. In 2023, it dwindled to 6.18 million kg. Violent agitations in the hills in 2017 and recent resurgence in the demand for Gorkhaland ahead of the ongoing elections, too, have impacted the gardens and their profitability in a big way even as demand is growing within the country, industry insiders said.
Darjeeling tea has been facing nature s wrath for quite some time now. In 2022, Darjeeling tea production was 6.93 million kg. In 2023, it dwindled to 6.18 million kg. Violent agitations in the hills in 2017 and recent resurgence in the demand for Gorkhaland ahead of the ongoing elections, too, have impacted the gardens and their profitability in a big way even as demand is growing within the country, industry insiders said.
The alpona (artwork) on the steep, winding road leading to Makaibari bears testimony to the visit of G20 delegates for the second tourism working group meeting in April last year.
The lush tea bushes, the delegates joining in for the moonlight plucking of Silver Tips Imperial first flush, a favourite of late Queen Elizabeth II, cut a picture of mystical magic.
But it s not the Kurseong tea garden s only shining moment - the last few years have been busy for the estate and its bungalow.
Closely watched by the world for any escalation, the Iran-Israel conflict is already showing early signs of stress for India Inc - longer deliveries, doubling freight rates, extended working capital cycles, and higher costs.
For those yet to feel the heat, there is growing apprehension and nervousness over future developments, observed industry executives.
Those who are backing the decision argue that auction will indirectly increase supply of clean teas in the market and also fetch higher prices for producers as well as packers