How green was my valley!

It is no misnomer to call it the elixir of life. Research has shown that tea doubles as a health drink as well. This popular drink has won more than its fair share of the market worldwide and still shows no sign of abating!

TEA, for many is one of the most refreshing and popular beverages in the world. The tea industry caters to a lucrative market internationally with Great Britain and USA being the chief importers. Besides being the largest producer of the beverage, India consumes about twenty two percent of the total consumption of tea world over.

Established in 1953 and with its headquarters in Calcutta, the Tea Board of India is the regulatory authority that implements the government's regulations and policies. The board performs and co-ordinates a multitude of activities promoting labour welfare, research and export of the product worldwide. Today, it is one of the largest contributors to the Indian economy.

Since its discovery in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor, Shen Nung, many an enchanting tale has been woven into its history. The Japanese Tea Ceremony and the Boston Tea Party are but a few events in history that have brewed as a result of the tea mania that spread all-over the world. Under the initiative of the Colonial Government, the tea industry in India has seen phenomenal growth with plantations being established all over the country.

The best aromatic tea in India is cultivated mostly in Darjeeling and the Nilgiris. Work in the industry is centred on plantation and auctioning work, and marketing. Plantation work involves nurturing tea plants in the plantations. The processing work then takes place in the factories. Planters supervise the crushing, tearing and curling of the leaves.

The tea is then despatched to auction centres where they are sold to bulk buying industries or individual buyers. These auctions are held once a week and are conducted by tea brokers.

The marketing personnel market the final product. They deal with the distribution and sales of the different brands. Despite computerisation of the process whereby the blending or the quality of the different varieties can be known, it is the tea taster's verdict that is taken as the final ruling.

Picking and choosing

Though most training is provided on the job, graduates in agricultural sciences or a BSc in botany, food sciences, horticulture or other related subjects are preferred. New entrants are taken on as assistants at the plantation level. Tea tasters also need to develop their managerial and marketing skills.

There are various specialisations in the tea industry.

Tea taster

Flavour is the quintessential factor that defines the quality and branding of tea. Tea tasting is a highly specialised branch of learning and tasters have to develop the expertise to distinguish between the flavours. Tea tasters are the key people who taste, brand and help market the product. The Tea Tasters Academy in Coonoor in Nilgiris offers training for new entrants in the field.

Researcher

Research is an integral part of the industry. Researchers work towards developing strains that are disease resistant and are high yielding. They also research into strains that produce hybrid leaves. Researchers are aided by tea tasters on factors such as taste, the quality or the level of maturity the leaf can achieve and the economic viability of the product.

Tea broker

The Tea broker acts as an intermediary between the producer and the buyer. The final product from the plantations is transported to the auction houses where the broker auctions them. A background in the tea industry and developing a keen tea tasting ability are an important requisite in becoming a broker. They also need to be aware of the latest trends in the market.

Estate manager

Experience is the deciding factor in the appointment of an estate manager. New entrants, recruited as assistants are trained on the job. Graduating to the post of an estate manager can prove to be a long wait as it usually takes anything between twelve to fifteen years. The experience gained and the competency developed will prove to be an invaluable asset.

The Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bangalore offers a training programme on the relevant subject under the Indian Commodity Economy.

Consultants

The tea board of India and various tea associations employ consultants. Experienced tea planters can take up consultancy services proffering advice on the varieties of tea to be planted, new varieties and their sources, recruitment and training of personnel, compensation, benefits and incentives to labour and so on.

Working on a plantation may seem like living in a virtual paradise for those who like living in close proximity to nature. However, long spells of loneliness are a common occurence. Good health, a love for the outdoors, physical fitness and adaptability help ease the process of adjustment. Leadership qualities and the ability to deal with labourers is an added asset. In addition to being level headed and disciplined, tea brokers need to be able to strike a rapport with the producers and buyers.

An aromatic and vibrant drink, tea is almost like the elixir of life. With its abundant properties that are beneficial to health, a cuppa tea a day might just be the drink you're looking for, for your financial health as well as your well-being!

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@careercommunity.co.in