Operations resume, but Darjeeling tea gardens stare at another crisis

Darjeeling tea gradually went off the auctions after its production stopped in mid-June due to the political agitation there

The 87 tea gardens in the Darjeeling region have resumed operations after an over 100-day stoppage but their problem is  not over. In fact, it could be deepening.

Production of this flagbearer variety of Indian tea stopped in mid-June due to the political agitation there, in one of the best buying seasons, July-August. So, Darjeeling tea gradually went off the auctions. And, tea from Nepal made headway, gaining popularity with Indian blenders and exporters. 

“Lots of exporters were forced to substitute Darjeeling tea with Nepal tea to maintain flavour and aroma. Since Darjeeling tea was absent over a long period, they had