Tea Board Orders Closure of Manufacturing Units in North India for Better Winter Crop
In a bid to improve the quality of the winter crop, the Tea Board has issued an order for the closure of manufacturing units in the tea growing regions of North India. The decision aims to enhance the first flush of tea production in the coming year.
According to the directive, all tea factories in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are required to cease their operations and stop plucking or receiving green leaves by December 11. Similarly, the deadline for the Dooars and Terai regions of West Bengal, as well as Bihar, has been set for December 23.
The processing of green leaves in the aforementioned areas of Darjeeling, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand should be completed by December 13, whereas the deadline for the Terai, Dooars, and Bihar regions is December 26.
To ensure efficient management, the order states that all sorting, packing, and transportation of packed teas to designated storage areas should be completed by December 26 for Darjeeling, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. As for the Dooars, Terai, and Bihar regions, the deadlines are January 6, 2024, for the CTC variety and January 11 for the orthodox and green tea varieties.
The tea industry believes that the closure of tea gardens during the winter season, known as winter dormancy, allows the tea bushes to rest and rejuvenate, leading to better growth and quality in subsequent crops.
The decision by the Tea Board has received mixed reactions from stakeholders in the tea industry. While some appreciate the move as a necessary step for improving the quality of tea, others express concern over the impact of the closure on the livelihoods of workers and the potential economic repercussions.
The winter closure of manufacturing units is a common practice in the tea industry, aimed at allowing the tea bushes to recover and prepare for the next season’s production. It provides an opportunity for tea gardens to undertake essential maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
As the tea industry eagerly awaits the first flush of tea next year, it remains to be seen how this closure period will impact the overall production and quality of tea in North India. However, the Tea Board’s decision reflects its commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring the best possible winter crop.
