Rains bring cheer to Darjeeling tea traders, end worrying dry patch

KOLKATA: The new season for Darjeeling tea has opened on a positive note. The rains on Sunday ended a worrying dry patch and tea boutiques from the UK and Taiwan have picked up the March crop at Rs 10,000-15,000 per kg, higher than last year’s price of Rs 7,000-8,000.

Although tea boutiques bought just 4-5 kg of teas each, the prices indicate a better year ahead than 2015.

"We were worried as there was very scanty rainfall till Sunday evening. But it rained quite well on Sunday night. Tea crop should receive two or three more quick showers this week for good quality first flush teas," said Ashok Lohia, chairman of Chamong Tee.

A long dry spell last year restricted the output of Darjeeling tea to 8 million kg from the usual 9-9.5 million kg. For exporters the new season has started well as buyers from countries such as Taiwan are visiting the tea estates in Darjeeling.