Experts to check tealeaves for pluck

TT, 4 February 2019, Siliguri: The Tea Board of India has decided to constitute a committee of experts to look into the demand of some planters in north Bengal for permission to resume plucking of tealeaves immediately as fresh buds have come up.

For the first time, the board had issued a directive last year, saying plucking and processing of tea should be stopped in gardens from December 15. The order was issued to prevent making of tea of poor quality during the winter when fresh leaves stop blooming.

Later, the board issued another directive, saying tea plucking and processing could be resumed from February 11.

"However, some tea gardens have requested the board to advance the date for the resumption of tea production.

BREW BLUES They have mentioned that fresh leaves have come up in their plantations and intend to start the production of first flush tea, which is known to be of the finest quality and fetches best prices," said a source in the Tea Board.

In fact, six tea gardens have sent letters to the board, seeking permission to start the process.