Tocklai-developed clones set to revolutionise tea industry

JORHAT, August 3: The Tocklai Experimental Station here, reputed to be among the foremost and best tea research centres in the world, is all set to add more zing to the 'cuppa' that cheers. In the words of Tea Research Association Chairman Abani Borgohain, 'the best-ever clones ever developed by this premier tea research organisation are presently undergoing commercial trials.' Reputed to be sturdy and qualitatively superior to existing clones in almost all respects, 'the promising aspects of the newly-developed varieties - P - 463 and P - 492 - provided they successfully pass the commercial trial hurdle, are all set to revolutionise the tea industry. 'In terms of crop yield and overall quality, it is simply unbeatable.' Though first disclosed in 1999 but yet to be officially released, 4,000 cuttings of the newly-developed clones have already been distributed for trials to select gardens in Upper Assam, Dooars and Terai in order to determine their suitability/adaptability in different soil conditions and agro-climatic zones. Borgohain was confident that Tocklai's 'latest babies' will help to buoy up the image of the institution, which has unfortunately been in a state of turmoil since 1993, played as it is by frequent strikes and lock-outs over non-implementation of service rules, which were non-existent till 1997. With threats of a renewed agitation by the Tocklai Employees' Union from August 10 next in protest against non-fulfilment of their 9-point charter of demands, the atmosphere at the tea research institution is naturally tense. Set in this gloomy backdrop, the present achievement of the Tocklai scientists deserve kudos as successful commercial trial of the said clones will help them achieve a major milestone insofar as research and development is concerned. The last officially released clone variety was TB-30 in 1993. Added to these, modified systems of tea manufacture has also been developed to suit present day demands, claimed Borgohain. Experiments on isolating heavy metals and checking them from being absorbed by the the tea bush from the soil itself is also going on, besides trials on reducing pesticide residue content is made tea leaves. With crop production throughout tea-growing belts in the country taking a severe beating during the last two consecutive seasons, the position in Assam as well was not too rosy either, warned Borgohain. An abrupt fall in prices of made tea has hit the industry hard, coupled with a low internal consumption rate, which according to the TES Chairman emanates from the present day younger generation preferring cold drinks to hot beverages. In any case, Borgohain sounded an optimistic note when the said that the latest of Tocklai's 'jewels' has enough potential to be able to pep up the industry anew while retaining interest of the connoisseur in the fabled drink.