Although the tea plant is not indigenous to India, it was brought by the British from China, where they had cultivated it from the fresh flavour of the drink. Since the mid-18th century, tea has grown extremely well in three distinct areas of the country, which have been especially developed because of the suitability of the climate for the healthy growth of the tea plant. Darjeeling, believed to produce some of the finest teas in the world, accounts for only 2 per cent of the total Indian teas. Assam accounts for about 55 per cent while the Nilgiris and other small pockets provide the balance 43 per cent.

Work

Much of the work in the tea industry is centred around the tea gardens -- as the plantations are termed -- wherethe tea bushes are cultivated. Several varieties of tea can be grown in any one garden, and most tea gardens have the tea factory located close by. Fresh tea leaves plucked in different seasons are processed at the tea factory, and then taken to tea auction centres where auctions are held every week for the domestic sale and export of tea. Specialised tea tasting experts taste the different teas, from the highly exclusive orthodox leaf teas to the cheaper CTC (cut, tear, curl) varieties and price them accordingly. After that, prospective buyers, normally large tea buying/marketing companies pick up their requirements of teas. Of course there are companies that also grow and market their own teas.

Those that join the tea industry can, therefore, work at the plantations, or at the auction centres, or even with tea-marketing companies. There are also specialised areas of work such as tea tasting and tea research work. Work as a tea planter is quite unique. For one, to have a plantation as a workplace isdifferent and exciting enough. And being away from the neon-lit, air-conditioned stuffy offices, chasing deadlines and traffic jams is quite something else. It is a farmer's kind of life, except that instead of fields there are tea plantations. Managing a tea garden involves supervision of the growth of the tea plants and plucking of the tea leaves. As most of the tea gardens have their own tea-processing factories, the tea planter also has to handle the drying, curing and processing of the leaves before they are despatched to the tea centres.

At the auction centres there are tea brokers, experts in evaluating, the different teas, who conduct the auction of the different teas brought in from the gardens. They are also aware of worldwide market tends and international prices. Most tea brokers are experienced tea planters and have a finely tuned ability in assessing and judging tea.

Tea companies who brand and market the tea normally employ tea tasters for selecting and blending the different varieties oftea, and marketing personnel to handle the sales and distribution of the different brands. Tea tasting is highly specialised task, as the price and quality of tea depends on its flavour. Tea tasters have developed a fine sensitivity to the taste and aroma of different varieties of teas. So tea brokers and tea marketing companies rely heavily on the tea taster's palate.

Entry

About 20-30 years ago, working as a tea planter was among the most coveted jobs for young men, and required no special training -- just a good educational background. It was essentially a relaxed outdoor life as tea markets were good, and so companies ensured that the remuneration and lifestyle were comfortable and enviable.

Today, Indian teas are being threatened by Kenyan and Sri Lankan varieties, and competitiveness has crept into this once idyllic existence too.

So while a job in a tea garden still does not require any specialised training, those with a degree in agriculture or horticulture, or a B.Sc. in Botany, foodsciences, and allied subjects have a distinct advantage. However, the best training is still learning on the job in a tea garden. In the area of tea marketing, training in business management or marketing is generally the best option.

Tea tasters are trained on the job. This means sensitising the senses to the taste of different teas and learning to evaluate the teas. They also have to pick up marketing and managerial skills. A Tea Tasters Academy has been set up in Conoor in the Nilgiris for training new entrants into this field.

Career prospects

The best way to start a career in the tea industry is to work in tea gardens. Most tea companies which own gardens employ graduates to start work in the tea gardens, and after several years of experience in the field, move them to marketing and blending departments at the company's headquarters.

Those with some years of experience in the tea gardens can also take up jobs in the Tea Associations and the Tea Board of India. Experienced tea professionalscan move into tea brokerage at the auction centres, or tea tasting or become consultants to tea companies, providing advice on new varieties, and on recruitment and training of personnel. Research in tea at the different agricultural research institutes is another option for those with experience and knowledge.

There is an increasing demand for professionals to work in the tea industry, as the demand for tea far exceeds the supply and additional acres are being cultivated for tea plantations. Tea consumption in the country has been growing at 3 per cent per annum every year, and exports continue to expand, even if not as dramatically as in earlier years.

However, those that join this industry must keep in mind that unlike most other careers, this is not a job, it is a vocation. You must be ready to give the attractions of the city for a more rustic, peaceful lifestyle. Most of the tea gardens are located in picturesque parts of the country and can be very appealing for those who want to get away from theconcrete jungles of the cities. Moreover, most tea gardens have over a century of their own traditions, customs, pleasures and pass-times which have evolved with the men and women, who have created wealth for the nation while making the gardens their home. Also, most tea companies offer handsome salaries and benefits, company housing, medical benefits, club membership and a number of other attractive allowances that compensate quite adequately for the loss of an urban lifestyle.

But a career in the tea industry is not for everyone. You must have a liking for an outdoor life, be physically fit, have leadership qualities and be self-sufficient and have interest in some hobbies. Life in the tea gardens can be lonely with little companionship, but for the right candidate, strong in body and mind, it is a life that brooks no comparison.

The writer is the author of Penguin India Career Guide, Vol I & II. She is also a newsreader on Doordarshan and producer of Hum Honge Kamyaab.