It is the time of the first flush. Ordinarily, around this time of the year, tea gardens in Assam are bustling with activities. But this year the world has come to a staggering halt due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The nationwide lockdown for a span of twenty-one days is bound to be a major setback for the tea industry. The tea workers are restless. It is not a luxury for the daily wagers of the tea gardens to sit back at home and wait while the fresh foliage of the tea shrubs wilts away. Assam is a major contributor of tea, producing about 700 million kg of tea per year. Owing to the lockdown, the tea industry in Assam may lose one-tenth of its output this year.
Luckily for Assam, the best quality of Assam tea is not produced in the first flush which happens at the end of March every year. Unlike Assam, Darjeeling tea, also known sometimes as the ‘Champagne of Tea’ can be attributed to the first flush. The manufacturers pay the highest price for tea produced during this time of the year. However, this year, the availability of the first flush Darjeeling tea will be rare.
Assam is a major contributor of tea, producing about 700 million kg of tea per year.
Assam produces its best quality tea during the spring harvest. After the lockdown has been partially lifted by the state, plucking in many of the tea estates have resumed. The resuming activities must however be carried out by keeping in mind the rules of social distancing. It is not going to be a very difficult task to maintain social distancing in the gardens. More than 65% of the tea workers are allotted to the plucking of the leaves. Since the spacing between the bushes is adequate and not more than two rows are allotted to a worker, maintaining an amicable distance is easily viable. The other activities as well can be carried out by maintaining the norms of social distancing. The in-charge of the tea estates must ensure proper sanitation and usage of face masks amongst its workers.
It has been a year of surprising loss to the world and to humanity. We are amongst the lucky ones if we are flipping the newspaper and sipping our everyday dosage of tea. May we spare a few moments to remember the daily wagers for who these times have indeed been very trying. It is our responsibility to help fight this pandemic in whatever way we may. And if staying home contributes to the safety of our people, then stay home we must. So, use this time to replenish your health, keep the spirit alive and reconnect with your family over a cup of tea be it green, black or white. Till then STAY HOME, STAY SAFE.
