The Tea Board of India has announced dates for the commencement of tea plucking and manufacturing for the 2025 season across several key tea-producing regions. This decision follows consultations with industry stakeholders and scientific institutions to ensure alignment with the natural cropping patterns of tea bushes.
The announcement was made through an order dated January 29, 2025. It comes as a continuation of a previous order dated July 15, 2024 which addressed the end of the 2024 season. The new order, issued under clause 13(3) of the Tea (Marketing) Control Order, 2003, specifies the commencement dates for plucking and manufacturing for the upcoming season.
Additionally, by a subsequent corrigendum dated January 31, 2025, the tea board has revised the start dates for Dooars, Terai & Bihar. This corrigendum was based on inputs received from tea producer associations regarding the availability of quality green leaves in the tea gardens of the region.
Latest Regional Start Dates
The following table outlines the start dates for different regions:
| Region | Commencement Date |
|---|---|
| Dooars, Terai & Bihar | February 10, 2025 |
| Darjeeling Hills & Sikkim | February 27, 2025 |
| Himachal Pradesh | March 7, 2025 |
| Uttarakhand | March 7, 2025 |
Exemptions for Specific Practices
Tea gardens that have adopted non-traditional pruning or cultivation methods, those focused on early crops, and manufacturers of orthodox, green, and specialty teas may apply for exemptions from these start dates. Applications should be made through the respective Tea Board offices.
Officers at the Assistant Director of Tea Development level are authorized to recommend exemptions after conducting field verifications. These verifications will consider factors such as pruning practices, irrigation facilities, early rains, and flushing patterns. Approved exemptions will be communicated to the Tea Board’s Zonal/Regional Offices (Siliguri & Palampur) for issuance and subsequently reported to the Head Office.
Importance of Timing
The Tea Board’s careful consideration of the timing for the start of the plucking season reflects the importance of aligning with the tea bushes’ natural growth cycle. This ensures optimal leaf quality and contributes to the overall success of the tea production season. The provision for exemptions acknowledges the diverse practices within the industry and allows for flexibility based on specific circumstances.
