Bandh In Darjeeling Brings Hard Times For The Second-Flush Tea | Read

The cup that cheers is in big trouble in Darjeeling. For almost two weeks now, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's bandh has meant no tea plucking in the 87 gardens in the hills that produce the world's finest teas. Most tea workers say Gorkhaland first. But for the industry, disaster as its best leaves - called second flush - go down the drain. Almost 95 per cent second flush teas - which are the best quality of all - are exported and earn almost half the revenue the tea industry earns in a year.