Darjeeling's high value first flush tea under trouble

[Tea Plantation Workers - Related News]

During peak winter in December- January, tea plantations undergo major maintenance phase with no plucking of leaves. After this zero yield gap, fresh batch of healthy leaf, known as ‘first flush,’ starts coming in heavy quantity from end February to continue till March end. Quality wise this best quality leaf enjoys highest level of pricing. According to Indian Tea Association statistics, volume wise first flush contributes 20% to this annual production, but accounts for around 35% of value. Naturally, it remains under highest attention of planters.