Jhapan Thapa

How long have you been growing tea and what got your started?
I have been working in Tea since 17 years. I have worked in Tea since the age of 25. I have two children and both are studying in the local school in the garden. I work mostly as plucker in the garden though I am also involved in the field work.

What is your favorite part of growing tea?
I love the plucking and working in the Estate. I get to live in the garden. We grow our own food. We get 12 months of work so we don't have to look for work outside the garden. We work in groups so it in enjoyable in a way, chatting with my friends and relatives.

Conversely, what is the hardest part of your job?
I don't like working during the day and during Winters. During rainy days it gets difficult and it rains a lot. During winters it is very cold in Darjeeling and we also have to complete our Winter work. One good thing is pruning is now becoming mechanized so it is less stressful. We are now more involved in replanting and development work in the garden which is much easier to do. I am getting old also.

Are there any tips you can give on how to best brew your tea? Any advice?
To be honest we don't get to drink the Darjeeling teas. We prefer milk teas as it goes with our food. We get CTC Black tea instead of Darjeeling Teas in exchange from the company.