Biochemical assessment of CTC-black tea manufactured by bought leaf factories from leaves of small tea growers in Terai, West Bengal

Abstract

In the past two decades, India's tea industry has undergone significant changes, marked by the rise of small tea growers, establishment of bought leaf factories, and increased competition from foreign markets. Small tea growers now contribute over 50% of total tea production, with their leaves processed by bought leaf factories. However, the quality of tea from bought leaf factories, particularly CTC-black tea, lacks thorough biochemical characterization compared to tea from larger gardens. A study was conducted to address this gap, revealing differences in chemical composition between tea from small gardens and large tea estates. The findings revealed lower phytochemical qualities in bought leaf factory-produced tea, indicating unorganized practices in small tea industry. These results are preliminary but alarming for the future of small tea growers. Thorough survey, training programs and corrective measures in both field management and factory processing are needed to resolve these quality issues from the root.