First Flush Darjeeling Tea Almost Lost due to Coronavirus Lockdown, Say Planters

[Tea Plantation Workers - Related News]

The Darjeeling tea industry on Saturday said it has almost lost its first flush production in the wake of the ongoing lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a financial crunch for garden owners as the premium variety contribues 40% of the annual revenue of the planters. The first flush accounts for 20% of the 8 million kg annual production in the hills, said Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA) chairman. “The condition is very bad. The first flush is almost wiped out,” he said.