Darjeeling stir puts tea exports in jeopardy

The ongoing bandh sponsored by agitating Gorkha Janmukti Morcha in Darjeeling has cast a spell on the prospects of exports of second-flush tea, considered to be the most sought after and pricey in the importing markets.
"There is no production of second-flush tea due to the ongoing stir in the hills since June 9. This is causing concern among the exporters as they are staring at a loss of around Rs 200 crore," chairman of Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA) Binod Mohan told PTI.
All the 87-odd gardens in Darjeeling are closed owing to the agitation, he said, adding that the crop loss would be 8.5 million kilogram.

"The entire second-flush crop is exported as it is the most sought after and fetches the highest price," Mohan said.
All the established customers are really worried about the matter as Darjeeling tea is always on their catalogue for its premium quality, he said.
Mohan said that DTA yesterday wrote to all the stakeholders -- the unions, Tea Board, administration and local traders -- expressing concern about the prevailing situation in the hills.
"If this continues for long, it can have a long-term impact on the future of tea exports since the second-flush season generally continues till mid-July if there is no heavy rains," he said.

Because of premium quality, the second-flush season accounted for 20 per cent of entire Darjeeling's production and 40 per cent of the revenue.