EU protected geographical indication (PGI) tag for Kangra tea will come into effect on 11 April, raising hopes of growers that the sector will finally perk up again.
A two-cup pot of Darjeeling tea costs Rs 500 at cafes in Kurseong and elsewhere. An eight-hour-long grinding shift at tea gardens earns the workers Rs 230 as daily wage.
Revenue loss from export crops like tea played a big part in Sri Lanka's rapid economic decline. For descendants of Tamil-bonded labourers, life is more difficult now.
India's falling tea exports can be attributed to multiple factors, such as a dip in production leading to a surge in prices, making the commodity internationally uncompetitive, and blending.
The losses come as a double whammy for Darjeeling, which started recovering from the losses after 2017 violent Gorkhaland agitation and resultant 3-month-long shutdown.
French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.
China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.
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