Weather lifts Assam first flush prospects
Generous rainfall in the past week has boosted tea planters' hopes of a good first flush harvest in the Assam region of India. First flush tea, picked from March to May, is known for its strong, fresh flavor and fetches highest prices at auctions. Nearly 20 percent of the total production of tea in Assam takes place during the first flush period. This comes as a blessing for the region, which experienced a dry spell last year and in the beginning of this year. However, local scientists warn that the state had witnessed a tremendous climatic change in recent times with a decrease of nearly 50% in annual rainfall in the last 15 years.