SILIGURI: The gradually developing political knot in northern part of West Bengal over the demand of separate Gorkhaland state in Darjeeling hills as well as demand of autonomy by the tribals in foothills carries immense potential to hamper harvest and production of high quality and high valued 'First Flush' tea in its next season beginning in March.
"Undoubtedly the environment in hills foothills has created a feeling of uneasiness amongst planters here. Many gardens are carrying heavy load of recently increased wage hike, or reopened gardens are already overloaded. Remaining trouble free during first flush First harvest is too important for all of them," said Mr. N K Basu, Ex Principal Advisor of Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA).
"We always try to ensure no trouble of tea gardens," says Mr. R Giri, General Secretary of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha(GJM). "We always want smooth operation in all gardens," said Mr. R. Lakra, top Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikash Parishad(ABAVP) leader.
But, the ground scenario appears different. "First Flush needs high pitch activities at all levels of garden operation. In one side, the growing political division between Gorkhas and Tribals, two major communities in our workforce, is feared to leave noticeable impact on it.
On the other side, developing uneasiness between Gorkhas and West Bengal State Government may invite fresh movements including bandhs or other chaos in hills indirectly hampering tea activities. Any downfall in First Flush harvest causes immense loss for gardens," said number of tea entrepreneurs reluctant to be quoted.
According to experts, chill loving tea bushes remain at best yielding stage during post winter and pre summer season. After around two months long winter time no-plucking and maintenance of bushes, the new batch of leaves comes in heavy quantity and high quality. Normally plucked in March, this is known as 'First Flush' produce that brings in highest price.
Out of around 950Million Kg(Mkg) All Indian tea production, foothills and Darjeeling put together produce around 175 Mkg. The volumetric share of first flush in total production is around 20 per cent but its rupee value share is much higher.
With an apparent objective of creating pressure on the West Bengal state Government for higher financial and administrative facilities for Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, the autonomous body formed for Darjeeling, Gorkh activists have left its old path of friendship with West Bengal State Government.
On the other side, while strongly opposing Gorkhaland demand, the tribals are gradually getting aggressive on their demand of separate autonomous body or VIth schedule status for foothills.
"Undoubtedly the environment in hills foothills has created a feeling of uneasiness amongst planters here. Many gardens are carrying heavy load of recently increased wage hike, or reopened gardens are already overloaded. Remaining trouble free during first flush First harvest is too important for all of them," said Mr. N K Basu, Ex Principal Advisor of Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA).
"We always try to ensure no trouble of tea gardens," says Mr. R Giri, General Secretary of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha(GJM). "We always want smooth operation in all gardens," said Mr. R. Lakra, top Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikash Parishad(ABAVP) leader.
But, the ground scenario appears different. "First Flush needs high pitch activities at all levels of garden operation. In one side, the growing political division between Gorkhas and Tribals, two major communities in our workforce, is feared to leave noticeable impact on it.
On the other side, developing uneasiness between Gorkhas and West Bengal State Government may invite fresh movements including bandhs or other chaos in hills indirectly hampering tea activities. Any downfall in First Flush harvest causes immense loss for gardens," said number of tea entrepreneurs reluctant to be quoted.
According to experts, chill loving tea bushes remain at best yielding stage during post winter and pre summer season. After around two months long winter time no-plucking and maintenance of bushes, the new batch of leaves comes in heavy quantity and high quality. Normally plucked in March, this is known as 'First Flush' produce that brings in highest price.
Out of around 950Million Kg(Mkg) All Indian tea production, foothills and Darjeeling put together produce around 175 Mkg. The volumetric share of first flush in total production is around 20 per cent but its rupee value share is much higher.
With an apparent objective of creating pressure on the West Bengal state Government for higher financial and administrative facilities for Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, the autonomous body formed for Darjeeling, Gorkh activists have left its old path of friendship with West Bengal State Government.
On the other side, while strongly opposing Gorkhaland demand, the tribals are gradually getting aggressive on their demand of separate autonomous body or VIth schedule status for foothills.
By debasis.sarkar@timesgroup.com
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