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Nipun Wisnagalage
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This tea picking robot in South India will be a solution for labour shortage. What about other aspects like quality and ethics ?

Tea is a way of life in this subcontinent. Indians can’t imagine a day with out their favorite cuppa. Indian Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri teas are always a treat to sip. Anyway, labour shortage is one of the burning issued faced by South Asian tea growers like India and Sri Lanka. As SMB Story had reported, Valparai, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its production of high-quality teas. Yet, the once bustling valleys filled with labourers, now face a shortage as many labourers have migrated to the plains for better opportunities. In conversation with SMBStory, G Sundarrajan, CEO and Co-founder of Surinova, which provides business solutions to the farming sector, recalls that around 20 years ago, Valparai had about five lakh people in its electoral rolls which have now reduced to just a lakh, highlighting the impact of migration in the region. Previously, South Indian plantations needed 6,000 labourers for a harvest cycle, but now only 1,300 are available. To address this labour shortage and ensure continuous tea harvests, Surinova introduced a tea robot / e-vehicle called “T-Rover” in 2022.

Image Credit: SMB Story

Process

T-Rover is designed to navigate slopes up to 30 degrees with ease through its sensors and controllers and its precision engineering picks tea leaves for processing. As an e-vehicle, it saves on fuel costs and keeps the plantation environment clean. T-Rover is operated remotely via a joystick-like controller and is easy to use even for semi-skilled workers. 

This robot can do the work of 28 people, requiring just one operator and two assistants. This innovation opens up opportunities for people to pursue or rover operator jobs, thus stemming the tide of migration from their hometowns.

The company is now in talks with other tea growing countries like Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, etc, to export their machine.

It’s true that machines like this will provide some relief to labour shortage, but the quality of product is up to the questions, as South Indian climate is more tropical. So there are tea flsuhes at different ages and stanges of the bush. In temperate countries like Japan and China where they experince seasons, generally use machines during Summer and Early autumn. Also in temperate countries tea flushes emerge at once and located at the same level of tea bush. They limit machine harvesting during spring season when they get their first flush considering the quality of end product. Therefore, it would be better to use this machine during high cropping seasons in tropical countries.

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References

  1. Main Source: https://yourstory.com/smbstory/a-tea-picking-robot-is-solving-labour-shortage-tea-industry-surinova
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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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.

Image Credit: The Telegraph 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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References

  1. Main Source: https://www.telegraphindia.com/business/centre-dilutes-order-to-allow-blending-of-imported-tea-with-indian-varieties/cid/1892890
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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This South Indian Silver Needle White Tea Fetched A Premium @ An International Tea Auction

Tea was first discovered by the Chinese emperor Shen Nong way back in 2732 B.C. But Assam region in India is also considered as an origin of tea based on historic evidences. Tea is native to Assam & It is a way of life in India. Later on, South India was also started to produce some wonderful teas. This news is about a Silver Needle White Tea from Tamil Nadu which fetched a premium at an international auction. As REPUBLICWORLD.COM had reported, A Silver Needle White tea from Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor was put for sale at an international tea auction recently, where this great tea fetched an attractive price of Rs.16, 400 (US$ 220) for a kilogram.

Image Credit: Tea Board India, REPUBLICWORLD.COM & Avataa Tea

This white tea powder was produced by Avataa tea from the Billimalai Tea Estate. This special tea powder has set the record for being sold at the highest price in the whole of South India. The silver needle white tea powder was put up for sale along with other tea leaves and powders for the bidding organized by the Coonoor Tea Trade Association (CTTA) as a part of its celebration of International Tea Day. Coonoor belongs to Nilgiri ranges, is well known for the variety of tea it manufactures.

The white tea buds are plucked before the sunrise with occupied snow. Only about 5 kg of leaf tip green tea can be procured from a cultivation tea of ​​about 10 acres (4Ha). The buds are then continuously processed at a certain temperature to produce a kg of white tea called the Silver Needle. At the event, 4 kg silver needle white tea had gone up in the auction and the same has been reserved for exporters.

According to Avtaa, its White Tea has multiple benefits. ” Packed with antioxidants and vitamins for diabetes, weight loss and detox/cleanse.50 grams/25 cups (loose leaf tea),” it mentioned on its website. ” The brew is fragrant with little to no colour. The aroma is light and refreshing with a soothing after taste.Its mild and soothing flavour relaxes your mind and body from in and out leaving you feeling energised,” the firm added. 

Click here…….to learn more about Nilgiri Tea

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References

  1. Main Source: https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/whats-viral/tamil-nadus-silver-needle-white-tea-sold-for-rs16400-per-kg-at-international-tea-auction.html
  2. Company Website: https://avataatea.com/
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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A Rare Assam Tea Sold For Record Price At The Guwahati Tea Auction

Tea was first discovered by the Chinese emperor Shen Nong way back in 2732 B.C. But Assam region in India is also considered as an origin of tea based on historic evidences. Tea is native to Assam & It is a way of life in India. By the way, As India.com had reported, a rare Assam tea variety was sold at a record price of Rs 75,000 (USD 1004) per kg at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) on Thursday. This speciality premium tea, known as Manohari Gold Tea, is manufactured by the Manohari Tea Estate in upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district.

Image Credit: India Times

The previous record was also set by the same garden mark of tea at Rs 50,000 (USD 671) per kg by the same tea garden last year now breaking their own record, he added.

According to Mr. Rajan Lohia, director of Manohari Tea Estate in eastern Assam’s Dibrugarh this special tea is produced from the finest second flush colonel tea buds, which are hand plucked only during the dawn.

“They are plucked only during dawn to avoid exposure to sunlight. It offers aromatic, full-bodied and bright yellowish malty liquor,” Mr. Lohia mentioned.

This speciality tea was auctioned by Contemporary Brokers Private Limited and bought by Guwahati-based tea trader Vishnu Tea Company, Secretary of Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers’ Association, Dinesh Bihani said.

The Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers’ Association secretary added further, “This is a great achievement amidst global pandemic when the entire world is affected. Manohari Tea Estate has made extra effort to produce this speciality tea in the month of September and sent it to GTAC for sale”

“Tea with Nipun” would like to take this opportunity to Congratulate Manohari Tea Estate for Their Great Achievement ! & Wish Them All The Very Best & Success !

This Special Tea Will Be Available Soon @ 9amtea.com for Online Purchasing !

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References

  1. Main Source: https://www.india.com/viral/rare-assam-tea-sells-for-record-price-of-rs-75000-per-kg-know-whats-special-about-it-4191208/amp/
20 Indian soldiers killed in Galwan Valley standoff, toll may rise
Nipun Wisnagalage
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Border Tensions Between India & China Have Not Affected Indian Tea Exports to China

China and India are the largest tea producing nations in the world. These two powerful nations may have some political issues, but it has very minimum influence on tea trade between these two giants. As The Economic Times had reported, Indian tea exports to China and Iran have gone up despite the economic uncertainty due to Covid-19 outbreak and the standoff between India and China on border issues. Chinese importers are giving good prices for Indian black tea and shipments to the country have already begun.

Mr. Mohit Agarwal, director, Asian Tea mentioned “Border tensions between the two countries have not affected exports of tea to China and The Chinese are buying both CTC and orthodox black teas.”

Image Credit: Sunday Guardian

In 2019, India overtook Sri Lanka (Ceylon) in exports of tea to China riding on the increasing demand for black tea among Chinese millennials. India had exported 13.45 million kg of teas to China, whereas Sri Lanka, which had always been the leader in exports to China, was able to export 10 million kgs.

Indian tea production has already gone down by 140 million kg due to the lockdown this year. Even the weather has not been favourable in May and June in Assam as there has been excessive rains, likely impacting overall production.

Last year, India produced 1,389 million kg of teas.

Other than that, Iran has also started importing new season orthodox teas from last two week and is paying Rs 400 – Rs 450 per kg (USD 5.3 – 6.0), a price higher than that of last year.

So this is in deed a good news for Indian Tea Industry.

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References

  1. Original Post: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-exporting-tea-to-china-and-iran-despite-covid-border-standoff/articleshow/76800564.cms
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Indian Lock-down Supports Ceylon Tea Prices

Tea was first grown commercially in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) by the Scottish planter James Taylor in 1867. Eventually Ceylon Tea became one of the finest tasting teas in the world thanks to her overall, well balanced tasting profile with ideal strength, body, aroma and flavour. Meanwhile, As RAVI LADDUWAHETTY reported to Daily News, Chairman of the Tea Exporters Association (TEA) Mr. Sanjaya Herath predicted that the increased prices on Ceylon Tea will remain till around June 2020 until India resumes tea production domestically. Indian lockdown is one of the main reasons for this price hike.

In view of the tight global tea supply situation, there will definitely be a strong demand for Ceylon Tea in the short term and the prices will remain strong till end of May/ early June 2020, Mr. Herath said. Colombo Tea auction was not held for 2 weeks. Colombo tea auction was also not held for 2 weeks. This is also a reason for increased demand.

Image Credit: Shutter Stock, Wikipedia, Tea Board India

The Indian Tea Board and Tea Association have forecast that loss in tea production in India due to the lock down could be more than 100 million kg, about 80 million kg in the North India and more than 25 million in the South. India produces about 1200 million kg of tea annually and out of which 15-20 % is orthodox tea.

The strong demand for Ceylon Tea from Iran can be expected until India resumes their exports.  Once the Indian exporters start shipping tea to Iran under the special trading arrangements, Sri Lanka will witness decline in Iran business. An issue faced by the Ceylon Tea exporters is their inability to travel abroad to Ceylon Tea. Meanwhile, the COVID 19 has brought mixed results for tea growing nations as some are facing losses in tea crop due to lock down situation while origins like Sri Lanka have witnessed price hikes at the tea auction.

In the months of February and March, the tea production in China too suffered as the workers were unable to pluck tea in Hubei province due to the lock down situation.

Considering the sustainability of tea industry, this is a sad situation. There should be a balance in both demand and supply. Due to prevailing situation, most of the people are staying at home & of course they enjoy their favourite cuppa. Also there is a belief that black tea can lower the effect of COVID 19. But it’s not proven so far. The lock down in India occurred just in the time when Darjeeling first flush teas are produced. So this situation is in deed a bad time for those who were looking forward to sip fragrant, flavourful Darjeeling first flush. From the other end, the world community is fighting against the COVID 19 fever.

So let’s hope that the situation in India will be back to normal soon for the sack of innocent poor plantation workers.

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References

  1. Original Post: http://www.dailynews.lk/2020/04/22/finance/216960/indian-lockdown-bolsters-colombo-tea-prices
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Sri Lanka Loses “Top Tea Exporter to China” Title to India

Ceylon Tea coming from the resplendent island nation, Sri Lanka is recognized for her well balanced tasting profile by tea connoisseurs all over the globe. By the way, India is also producing some of the finest teas in the world namely Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri etc. As The Times of India had reported, India has emerged as the largest exporter of tea to China The world’s biggest tea producer — in 2019, overtaking Sri Lanka.

Indian tea export to China has trebled in the last half a decade, with 12 million kg (mkg) shipped to China mainland between January and November 2019, up from just 3.6 mkg of 2014. Sri Lanka, the second-largest exporter of tea to China, exported 9 mkg in the same period.

China, from where the British had sourced tea bushes to start plantations in India centuries ago, is currently the fourth-largest tea export market for India. 

Image Credit: Colombo Gazette

India and China have both been vying for the Ceylon tea’s share of the world tea market. Industry experts believe that stricter non-tariff barriers, quarantine parameters and differences in lab-testing methods for agro-chemical residue have posed big hurdles for growth in tea exports to China.

In 2019, Indian exporters fetched an average of $2.31 per kilo of leaves in China, compared with $3.6 per kilo grossed in 2014. “Once non-tariff barriers (NTB) are addressed, Indian tea exports to China could attain exponential growth,” Indian Tea Association (ITA) secretary Sujit Patra Said.

Last year, ITA had tied up with the China Tea Marketing Association (CTMA) for trade boost, knowledge-sharing and promotion. … took part in a global contest in China, where Goodricke Group and James Warren Tea bagged the ‘best’ and ‘most robust’ quality awards, among 850 samples from a number of countries. This is probably a learning curve for Sri Lanka. These PR activities are so vital for medium and long term trade growth.

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References

  1. Original Post: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/storm-in-a-cuppa-india-pips-lanka-becomes-top-tea-exporter-to-china/articleshow/73502765.cms
  2. About Ceylon Tea: https://www.pureceylontea.com/
  3. About Indian Tea: http://www.teaboard.gov.in/
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Darjeeling Green, White Teas Are Now Protected in India Under Geographical Indication

Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water. Tea coming from Darjeeling region, North India is recognized as one of the most exotic and finest tasting teas in the world. Darjeeling 1st flush emerges following winter & early spring is an extremely healthy & a flavourful tea. As ET Markets had reported, Darjeeling green and white teas, whose price varies from Rs 3,000 -Rs 10,000 (Roughly USD 42 – 140) per kg, have received Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the domestic market, which will put to rest any doubt about their authenticity and quality.

Both these premium teas have been registered as a Geographical Indication in the country with effect from October 24, 2019, which means that any teas sold as Darjeeling white and green teas in the domestic market without GI will not be considered authentic teas. As Kaushik Basu, secretary, Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA), have mentioned “Darjeeling black tea is already registered as GI. Since the demand for Darjeeling white and green teas is increasing in the domestic market, we thought that these two varieties also be protected under GI. Accordingly, the Tea Board took steps to register these two varieties under GI,”

Image Credit: Makaibari Tea & Tea Board India

Tea Board India is the registered proprietor of GI for Darjeeling tea. Geographical indications mean indications which identify a product as originating from the territory of a member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

The annual Darjeeling green tea production volume is around 1 million kg. The 87 tea estates in Darjeeling hills produce 8.5 million kg of tea per year.

The DTA secretary said that they have also initiated steps to register both Darjeeling white and green teas under Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for the world markets.

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References

  1. Original Post: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/commodities/news/darjeeling-green-white-teas-get-gi-backing/articleshow/72103877.cms
  2. More Info: http://www.teaboard.gov.in/
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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India Plans to Auction Entire Darjeeling Tea Production

Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water. Tea coming from Darjeeling region, North India is recognized as one of the most exotic and finest tasting teas in the world. Darjeeling 1st flush emerges following winter & early spring is an extremely healthy & a flavourful tea. By the mean time, as The Telegraph had reported, Tea Board India has planned to meet the members of the Darjeeling Tea Association (DTA) to discuss the possibility of auctioning the entire output of the 87 gardens.

Darjeeling region produced almost 7.7 million kg in 2018-19, of which only around 1.5 million kg were sold through auctions at an average price of Indian Rs 418.96 (Roughly USD 5.87) per kg, according to Tea Board data. The producers get a higher price by selling directly.

As Darjeeling has a GI (Geographic Indication) tag with its own logo, there is a requirement to trace the volume being produced and the quality of tea.

Image Credit: Sunny Holidays & Tea Board India

Producers may also be allowed to purchase back from the auction platform, in case if they feel they can get a better price even as the auction process will give some clarity on the floor price.

Tea Board deputy chairman Arun Kumar Roy said. “We have called a meeting with the DTA after Diwali to consider 100 per cent sale of tea in auctions so that we get to know what is the real value. Sri Lanka sells 100 per cent through auction. There are 87 gardens and 10 owners selling Darjeeling tea across the world. For a niche product like this, we feel there is a need to intervene and see that every kg is accounted for,”

Vinod Mohan, president of the DTA said, “It is a time-sensitive product. The first flush tea produced in March is immediately exported by air and same for the second flush. Because we sell it directly and there is no delay, the freshness is intact. So, we will have to look at the proposal in details to know how all that will be factored in, what would be the provisions and whether there would be some exceptions before we can comment,”

I am not sure whether this new proposal will work well for specialty Darjeeling Tea or not. But It’s really important to hear views of Darjeeling tea producers & experts before implementation.

Even though I mainly speak on world renowned Pure Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka, I never hesitate to appreciate good teas from other origins. World renowned Darjeeling Tea is one of them.

So join with me to travel all over tea world: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

Read More News + Posts I have published on “Darjeeling Tea”:

1. http://www.teawithnipun.com/tag/darjeeling-tea/

2. http://www.teawithnipun.com/news/a-rare-darjeeling-tea-plucked-under-the-full-moon/

References

  1. The Telegraph: https://www.telegraphindia.com/business/darjeeling-tea-auction-drive/cid/1712217
  2. The Times of India:  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/tea-board-eyes-e-auction-of-entire-darjeeling-produce/articleshow/71624229.cms
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Assam Tea Workers Blessed with 20% Bonus

As you already aware, tea was first discovered in China about 5000 years back. Tea plant is also native to Assam region in North East India. Even there is a separate jat called Camellia sinensis assamica. Although tea was commercialized in India by Brits in 19th century, I am quite certain that the local community must be knowing great health and functional benefits of tea for generations. By the way Durga Puja, also called Durgotsava, is an annual Hindu festival in the Indian subcontinent that reveres the Hindu goddess Durga which is about to commence from 04th October on wards. As The Sentinel had reported, the Dibrugarh district administration has asked tea estate owners to grant puja bonus to estate workers by September 20.

The tea estate owners had been asked to announce the “quantum” of puja bonus before September 5 during a tripartite meeting held on Aug 28 which was chaired by additional deputy commissioner Sanjay Dutta. Representatives of the Assam Branch Indian Tea Association (ABITA), Assam Tea Planters Association (ATPA), Tea Association of India (TAI), Bharatiya Chah Parishad (BCP) and North-Eastern Tea Association (NETA), Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) and Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA) participated this important discussion. The bonus will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of tea workers.

A Tea Plantation in Assam

Dibrugarh district has got the highest number of registered tea gardens in Assam. Out of the total 803 registered tea gardens in the state, Dibrugarh tops the list with 177 tea estates, followed by Tinsukia (122), Jorhat (88), Sivasagar (85) and Golaghat (74).

As Kanpai Das, The Dibrugarh Assistant Labour Commissioner mentioned, “We have asked the tea garden owners to announce the percentage of puja bonus before September 5. They have also been asked to make the bonus payment by September 20 so that the workers get enough time to make their puja purchases. We want the whole bonus payment procedure to be without any issue,”

Last year, Indian tea industry giants like Goodricke, Mcleod Russel, Andrew Yule, James Warren, Grob, Dhunsiri, Stuart Holl, MK Shah Exports, Tata (Amalgamated Plantations), Warren, Apeejay and Russel had all paid the maximum amount of bonus to estate workers.

Tea is a Heavenly Brew ! So who knows this Bonus might be a gift from God.

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References

1.Original Post: https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/tea-garden-owners-asked-to-pay-puja-bonus-upto-20-by-sep-20/

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