New Delhi, March 21 -- It's a bit of a lull period in tea, as seasons shift and tea gardens are just stirring with the arrival of spring. Although the south Indian tea gardens have remained open and busy, spring does feel like a new start. Once more, we turn towards Darjeeling where the spring flush has always been a big deal, setting the tone for the year to follow. The first batches have begun to arrive in stores. This year too, worries continue, of climate uncertainties, negotiations with workers, the closure of several tea gardens, low volumes of tea which has meant lowered revenue, and the continued battle to preserve Darjeeling tea as rare, premium and worth the top dollar.

We depend on exports, which was about 20% of our productio...