Here is a thread for any updates on the 2017 Darjeeling shutdown's aftermath; news articles, primary source, general discussion, etc.
The latest I could find, 2017-10-28: http://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/d ... AehJO.html
It looks as bleak as anticipated. Perhaps 2/3 reduction in production for 2018, with some gardens expected to fold.
In Rohini tea estate near Kurseong out of about 400 workers only 60%, or 240, are reporting for work. At Gopaldhara tea estate near Mirik out of 428 workers fewer than 60% have joined duty.
“Many workers left in search of jobs during the prolonged strike. Most of them have not come back. We are short of workers even to maintain the gardens. Unless the bushes are pruned and cleaned, it would directly affect the first flush production that fetches highest prices,” said a planter. The first flush production begins from end of February.
“We had 1,561 workers. Now only 40% of them are attending work as about 60% have left,” said Tilan Rai, worker of Rungmook-Cedar tea garden near Sonada.
“We don’t expect to produce anything more than 26,000 kg tea this year out of an annual production of 1.3 lakh kg,” said Saria of Rohini tea estate.
The management of Gopaldhara tea estate near Mirik expects to manage just about 30,000 kg out of a capacity of over 90,000 kg.
TeaForum.org
Tea Knowledge & Friendship
