DARJEELING TEA

THE INCEPTION:

According to records, the first commercial tea gardens planted out by the British tea interest were Tukvar, Steinthal and Aloobari tea estates. This was in 1852 and this entire plantation used seeds that were raised in the government nurseries.

Darjeeling was then only a sparsely populated hamlet which was being used as a hill resort by the army and some affluent people. Tea, being a labor intensive enterprise, required sufficient number of workers to plant, tend, pluck and finally manufacture the produce. For this, employment was offered to people from across the border of Nepal.

It appears that in 1866, Darjeeling had 39 gardens producing a total crop of 21,000 kilograms of tea. In 1870, the number of gardens increased to 56 to produce about 71,000 kgs of tea harvested from 4,400 hectares. During 1860-64, the Darjeeling Company was established with 4 gardens while the Darjeeling Consolidated Tea CO. dates back to 1896. By 1874, tea in Darjeeling was found to be a profitable venture and there were 113 gardens with approximately 6000 hectares.

Today there are 86 running gardens producing 'Darjeeling Tea' on a total area of 19,000 hectares. The total production ranges from 10-11 million kgs annually. The Darjeeling tea industry at present employs over 52 thousand people on a permanent basis; while a further 15,000 persons are engaged during the plucking season which lasts from March to November. A unique feature of this work force is that more than 60 percent are women and the employment is on family basis. The income of garden worker is half in the form of cash and the other half by way of perquisites which have over the years effectively provided with free accommodation, subsidized cereal ration and free medical benefits. Gardens used to run primary schools that have since been taken over by the government but the building continued to be maintained by the garden management.

According to the census carried out in the hills in 1971, the total population of three hill subdivisions of district viz. Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong was approximately 600,000.From the record maintained by the tea gardens, the resident population is over 300,000.Apart from Tourism; Tea is the biggest industrial activity, offering the largest employment in the hills. The turnover of the Darjeeling tea industry is nearly USD 7.5 million, which is acknowledged to be more than the money generated by tourism in the Darjeeling hills.

Apart from the direct production and employment figures mentioned above, large segments of the population earn their livelihood from the peripheral sector of the industry. This consists of transport, supplies, repairs, establishment etc.

THE VERY BEGINNING
The first annual general meeting of the Darjeeling Planters Association was held in 1873 to consult problems of Darjeeling Tea Estates. Later in 1892, The Darjeeling Planters Association was formed. The association was affiliated to the Indian Tea Association (I.T.A) in 1910.On 1st December, 1951, under the post Independence scenario, DPA in their last extraordinary meting unanimously decided to dissolve the Association called the Darjeeling Branch of the Indian Tea Association (D.B.I.T.A).

THE PRESENT SET- UP

Over the passage of time ,the owner's of Darjeeling Tea Estates , considering its unique nature , special problems and attention needed for the development, promotion and protection of Darjeeling Tea- decided unanimously to form a sole independent Association to address their common affairs. On 20th day of December, 1983 the present "Darjeeling Planters Association" was formed under the chairmanship of Mr. S.K.Basin, dissolving D.B.I.T.A. Darjeeling Planters Association is one of the constituent members of the "Consultative Committee of Plantation Association"(CCPA) In India.

STRUCTURE OF THE ASSOCIATION

The business affairs and funds of the Association is managed by the Governing body headed by the chairman elected at each Annual General Meeting of the Association.
The registered office is:
6 ,Netaji Subhas Road, 1st Floor, Calcutta-700 001 West Bengal, India, Phone : (033) - 2- 210 - 2408 Fax : (033) - 221 - 0433, Email : dpa@darjeelingtea.com

SECRETARY AT REGISTERED OFFICE: Mr. A.R.SARKAR

The association has branch office at Darjeeling. The affairs of the Branch are run by the General Committee elected at each Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the branch held concurrently with the AGM of the Association. The Branch Office address is:
Annexe Building of Darjeeling Club Ltd. Darjeeling West Bengal, India
Phone: (0354) - 2254353, Fax: (0354) - 2254098.

SECRETARIES AT THE BRANCH:
Mr. Ranen Datta - Secretary Ms. B. Mukhia - Asst. Secretary

Darjeeling tea is the most expensive and exotically flavored tea. Connoisseurs will assert that without Darjeeling , Tea would be like Wine without the prestige of Champagne.

According to the Tea Board of India - "Darjeeling Tea" means:

Tea which has been cultivated, grown , produced , manufactured and processed in tea gardens (current schedule whereof is attached hereto) in the hilly areas of Sardar Sub-Division, only hilly areas of Kalimpong subdivision comprising of Samabeong Tea Estate , Ambiok Tea Estate , Mission Hill Tea Estate and Kumai Tea Estate and Kurseong Sub- Division excluding the areas in jurisdiction list 20,21,23,24,29,31 and 33 comprising Subtiguri Sub-Division of New Chumta Tea Estate , Simulbari and Marionbari Tea Estate of Kurseong Police station in Kurseong Sub-Division of the district of Darjeeling in the State of West Bengal , India.

Tea which has been processed and manufactured in a factory located in the aforesaid area. Which when brewed has a distinctive, naturally accruing aroma and taste with light tea liquor and infused leaf of which has a distinctive fragrance.

WHERE IS DARJEELING TEA PRODUCED AND WHAT IS ITS ANNUAL PRODUCTION?

Darjeeling Tea is grown and produced only in the hilly areas of Darjeeling district.
Darjeeling is located on the Northern part of West Bengal, India. There are only 86 Tea Estates which produce Darjeeling Tea. All of these are in Darjeeling district and only teas coming from these estates can be called Darjeeling Tea. It cannot be produced anywhere else in the world.
The Annual production of Darjeeling Tea is approximately 10 Million Kgs.

Darjeeling Tea is widely and universally acknowledged to be the finest tea, because its flavour is so unique that it cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. It has no equal. Grown in a romantic and mystical mountainous region of Darjeeling at an elevation of 750-2000 meter, the tea is imbued with an incomparable charisma and quality. Grown in century old tea gardens, these tea bushes are natured by intermittent rainfall, sunshine and moisture laden mellow mists. The soil is rich and the hilly terrain provides natural drainage for the generous rainfall the district receives.

Even the tea placers, well aware of the status their produce enjoys throughout the world, Pick only the finest two leaf and the bud to enhance the unique flavour which has been described as 'Muscatel'. Gifted with these natural elements, the simple fact that only 10 million Kg. Of Darjeeling Tea is produced annually by the Darjeeling District, has made it all more exclusive and desirable.

Adherence to this high quality profile, results is extremely low field. The Darjeeling Planters has never succumbed to the temptation of increasing yields at the expense of quality and makes every effort to ensure the highest quality standards, in spite of the high costs involved.

It would not be an overstatement to say that Darjeeling Tea is by far the finest and most sought after Tea in the world.

The flavours of Darjeeling Tea differ from season to season. According to the plucking period, the season can be categorised as under:

Easter Flush (March-April): It arrives just after the dormant winter months. The leaves are tender and very light green appearance. The liquor too is light, clear, and bright and imparts a pleasant brisk flavour.

Spring Flush (May-June): This Flush is famed for its prominent quality. The leaf has a purplish bloom. The liquor is more round, mellow and with more colour (amber) and has a slightly fruity flavour. It is during this period that the famous "Muscatel" flavour becomes pronounced.

Summer Flush (July -September): During this period the nature of the liquid changes, becoming stronger, yet retaining the brightness and character that Darjeeling is known for.

Autumn Flush (October-November): The Tea during this period has a light coppery tinge and liquors have a delicate character.

Winter Months (December-February): Dormant period with no production.

The Darjeeling Logo is a property of the Tea Board of India. It was launched in 1983.It is a symbol that verifies that the packet/caddy etc contains 100% pure Darjeeling, unblended with teas from any other growth. There are certain procedures prescribed by the Tea Board of India to be complied with to get permission for the printing of the Logo on a product.

HOW TO MAKE A CUP OF DARJEELING TEA?

The Standard procedure is: -

1. Take 1 level tea-spoon of pure Darjeeling Tea in each cup. Nothing for the pot
2. Pour water, immediately after bringing it to a furious boil
3. Brew it for 3-4 minutes A perfect cup of Darjeeling Tea is ready………. If Broken/Fanning grades of tea are used, ½ Tea -Spoon of tea would suffice.
   
   In case Milk or Sugar is to be added then the brewing time has to be extended to about 5 minutes.
   The quantity of tea and the brewing time can be altered according to personal preference. Leed tea is also popular, with a slice of lemon.

WHAT SHOULD BE CHECKED BEFORE BUYING A DARJEELING TEA?

The packet must have a Darjeeling Tea Logo "Darjeeling" or "Pure Darjeeling" or "100% Darjeeling"- must be mentioned.