Hebron School recently organized an educational visit to a tea factory located in Aambari, Thakurganj. It was a very informative and enjoyable experience for all of us. We got the opportunity to learn about the complete process of tea manufacturing and understand how tea reaches our homes after passing through several stages of production.
As we entered the factory, we were amazed by its huge size and well-organized structure. Inside the factory, there were six large cement slabs on which freshly collected tea leaves were stored. The factory manager explained to us that each slab contained nearly 4,000 kilograms of fresh tea leaves brought from nearby tea gardens in pickup vans. The fresh aroma of tea leaves filled the atmosphere and made the environment feel refreshing and pleasant.
The manager also explained the difference between the leaves used for CTC tea and green tea. The leaves used for CTC tea were bigger, darker green, and comparatively rough, whereas the leaves used for green tea or leaf tea were smaller, softer, and light green in colour. We learned that the quality and price of tea depend greatly on the quantity of soft leaves present in the collection. For example, if 100 grams of tea leaves contain 40 grams of soft light-green leaves, the tea becomes more expensive because it produces better-quality green tea. On the other hand, if only 20 grams of soft leaves are present, the tea becomes comparatively cheaper.
After this introduction, we entered the section where CTC tea was manufactured. We saw four huge machines that were used to cut, tear, and crush the tea leaves, which is why this tea is called CTC tea. The machines were extremely large and advanced, and we were surprised to learn that each machine cost around 40 to 45 lakh rupees.
Next, we visited another chamber where the manager told us that a large machine was used to separate different grades of CTC tea. The processed tea was divided into various categories such as OP, BOP, BOPSM, BP, PF, Dust, and CTC according to size, quality, taste, and colour. Among these grades, BP was considered the best in terms of taste and price, while OP (Orange Pekoe) was the most expensive. The workers and the manager explained how each type has a different market value and is used for different purposes.
After that, we entered a very large hall where all the different varieties of tea were packed into huge bags for transportation and sale. The hall was filled with the rich fragrance of tea, and it gave us a real understanding of the scale of tea production in our country.
The factory staff were very kind and cooperative throughout the visit. At the end of the tour, we were served delicious milk tea and biscuits, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We also took photographs with the factory manager and other staff members. As a token of gratitude, we presented them with a thank-you card for giving us such a wonderful and educational experience.
Overall, the visit to the tea factory was highly informative and memorable. It helped us gain practical knowledge about tea processing, teamwork, machinery, and the hard work involved in producing tea. This visit will always remain a special learning experience for us.