Now Nepal Tea Can be Blended with Darjeeling Tea
Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water. No exception in India as well. Indians love their cuppa. Tea is also a way of life in this part of the world. Tea coming from Darjeeling region, North India is recognized as one of the most exotic and finest tasting teas in the world. Darjeeling first flush emerges following winter & early spring is an extremely healthy & a flavorful tea loved by tea connoisseurs around the world. By the way, As had reported Tea Board India will allow the mixing of imported tea with Indian varieties protected under geographical indications (GI) tags, diluting a previous order made on 11th Nov 2021 that banned the practice for any blend. So, Darjeeling tea with any other varieties, especially Nepal tea in their packs — as long as the final product does not claim to be an exclusive item covered by the GI label.
The estates were dependent on local players like Tata Consumers Products Ltd (TCPL), that would pick up the tea which could not be otherwise exported such as the globally renowned first and the second flush. Following last year’s ban, TCPL had refrained from buying Darjeeling tea this season, leading to a decline in auction prices. The situation led to several representations from the producers as well as buyers such as TCPL to the Union ministry of commerce and the Tea Board India.
Nepal teas, that has got qualities akin to Darjeeling because of similarities in terrain, have been making steady inroads since they are cheaper compared to Darjeeling. There have been representations before the Tea Board in the past to check the rampant blending of Nepalese tea, that local producers claim, often fail to pass Indian food and safety standards.
The directive proved to be counter productive as the Tatas largely remained absent in auctions to procure Darjeeling tea which is blended in their popular Tata Gold pack. An estimate suggests the Tatas buy about 1 million kg, accounting for about 15 per cent of Darjeeling’s annual production.
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But currently, It has been widely observed that local temperatures are rising and rainfall is becoming increasingly erratic in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, which is famous for its aromatic teas. The tea gardens, which form the economic backbone of the eastern Himalayan district, have been reeling under the impact of the weather changes.
A 20-year-study done by DTR & DC in Kurseong has found that maximum temperature has risen by 0.51 degree Celsius while total annual rainfall dropped by 56 mm and relative humidity by 16.07 percent. Even the sunshine hours have risen from 3.03 to 5.71 in two decades.
“We are also laying emphasis on crop diversification, which suits the small growers, as they can sow potatoes and other vegetables for a short duration, say between Octobers and March, when it is the dull season for tea.”