Four-month long dry spell may take a toll on the 'Champagne of teas'

Lower crop expected in South India; Munnar, Nilgirs impacted by weather conditions

A dry spell for more than four months is casting its shadow on production of first flush in Darjeeling, North Bengal, popularly referred to as the ‘Champagne of teas’.

What makes the first flush so important is that it accounts for 15-20 per cent of the crop in Darjeeling, but 35-40 per cent of revenues for the year. And roughly about 60-65 per cent is exported. But dry weather conditions are threatening this delicate and floral batch of teas with muscatel notes that make the world’s finest cuppa or the 'Champagne of teas'.

The last good rainfall was early October