Unchecked flow of Nepal tea into India takes toll on Darjeeling variant

Most of the tea from Nepal is uncertified with no pesticide and residue declaration while 70 per cent of the 87 estates in Darjeeling are certified organic

Unchecked flow of Nepal tea into India has taken a big toll on the Darjeeling variety with its prices falling 20-25 per cent last year.

Orthodox tea, imported from Nepal and commonly known as Himalayan tea, is similar to the Darjeeling variety in taste, aroma and flavour. 

However, Nepal tea is over 50 per cent cheaper than the tea from the hills of northern Bengal. 

Industry officials alleged that buyers, primarily operating in the loose leaf market, have been procuring this tea. 

A section of dishonest traders have been passing Nepal tea as Darjeeling, which is a protected and has