Tea Workers

Darjeeling tea output sinks to record low in 2021

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Darjeeling tea output sinks to record low in 2021

Production of tea, one of the most popular tea varieties globally, has shrunk to 6.5 million kg in 2021, the lowest on record and just half of the 13 million kg produced two decades ago. Climate change, closure of gardens, high level of absenteeism among tea workers, losing export markets due to agitation in the … Read more

State polls: When elections come around, tea workers — nobody’s people — become everyone’s voters

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State polls: When elections come around, tea workers — nobody’s people — become everyone’s voters

This morning, when you pour your cup of first flush, remember it was handpicked by bonded labourers of North Bengal and Assam. Understandably then, the moment they see their sardar (supervisor) and arhatti (local agent) approaching, Rita Barak and Moni Kharia (names changed), tea workers at the Demdima Tea Estate in Dooars, West Bengal get … Read more