Introduction
Maofeng tea is most commonly produced in Huangshan City, China, and is referred to as Yellow Mountain or Huangshan Maofeng Tea, a unique blend among the different variations of green tea on the market (People’s Republic of China) . This particular strand shows agricultural potential within similar regions of Nepal, primarily the Ilam district (Eastern Nepal, Mechi zone) or other hilly areas. Its production adoption in these regions could have positive economic effects for subsistence farmers and shows great export potential.
Product Information and Benefits to Nepal
History, Geography, Growth, and Processing
Part of what makes Maofeng Tea a particularly unique variation of green tea is its history. In an ancient Chinese legend a love-struck couple were tragically separated by death. The young woman wept over the grave of her deceased lover, until she became the rain, and the young man became a tea tree (Finger Lakes Tea). This legend gave the tea favoritism throughout its many years of cultivation.
The tea was initially produced in Huangshan City, China, among hilly and mountainous regions at a high altitude (People's Republic of China). Similar geographical locations are actually required to grow any type of tea. According to the UK Tea and Infusions Association, tea grows best in regions that feature a warm and humid climate with an average rainfall of at least 1000 mm per year (UK Tea and Infusions Association). Ideally, tea thrives in “deep, light, acidic and well-drained soil” (UK Tea and Infusions Association), at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2,100 meters. Particularly at higher altitudes, the tea trees are planted on terraces or in the contours of a hill to avoid soil erosion (UK Tea and Infusions Association).
The processing method used during the reign of the Qing Dynasty was to steam, roll and bake the tea shoots immediately after harvesting (people's Republic of China), a practice which is still relevant in modern tea culture. Specifically, “green tea is not oxidized. It is withered, immediately steamed or heated to prevent oxidization and then rolled and dried” (Tea Association of Canada) .
Environmental and Labour Sustainability
Though tea farming presents the possibility for the economic growth of subsistence farmers, there are certain environmental concerns that need to be considered. Firstly, by farming a large quantity of a specific crop the local biodiversity is replaced with a single-species monoculture (Rainforest Alliance). According to the research conducted by the Rainforest Alliance, monocultures increase the risk of, “soil erosion, competition for water, [and] pollution from fertilizers” (Rainforest Alliance). Climate change in Nepal is also a factor to consider, though it applies to farming as a general practice. In recent years, Nepal has experienced continuous ecological disturbances as a result of climate change in the form of floods, severe landslides, and soil erosion (Lohani). All such threats are particularly concerning for hillside or mountain farmers.
In regards to labour sustainability, hillside farming requires terraces to be dug out and maintained throughout the period of cultivation. While this is an extremely strenuous task, it will ultimately result in higher yields and prevent soil erosion and flooding. In addition, tea farming is primarily a hands on agricultural practice that requires bushes and trees to be plucked by hand (UK Tea and Infusions Association). Though the cumulative working conditions can be physically demanding, this method creates the demand for numerous year round workers and therefore positively effects employment rates within a given region (Rainforest Alliance). However, in the interest of poorer subsistence farmers, a smaller tea garden would require less labour but would therefore produce a lower economic return.
Sociological Impacts
Within most subsistence farming families, the women are the ones who are most likely to stay home and care for the children and the farm while the men are employed elsewhere (Pokharel). Deciding to grow tea would be a beneficial agricultural option since, though it requires long hours, the task is not particularly overwhelming since it only involves the picking of leaves on a regular basis.
Regarding the impacts on Nepalese children, a study conducted within hillside villages found that the enrollment of poor children within the local public school system has been low (Pokharel). There is an assumption that this is a consequence of stereotypical domestic responsibilities becoming a priority for young girls and labour opportunities becoming the preference for young boys (Pokharel). This is primarily a result of low household income which could therefore be positively affected by potential export revenue.
However, the production of tea alone is not enough for the average subsistence farmer as it will not provide the family with any source of food. Therefore, it is in the best interest of subsistence farmers to practice crop diversification which would allow for the production of household food in addition to having sellable goods (Archarya). This would also help in promoting local biodiversity.
Nutritional and Economic Benefits
Maofeng tea, being part of the green tea family, can provide many potential health and nutritional benefits to consumers. A Nepali tea exporting company known as Nepali Tea Traders clarifies that green teas, which are picked and processed quickly to avoid oxidation, retain their natural vitamins and antioxidants (Nepali Tea Traders). The Tea Association of Canada promotes tea as a healthy beverage choice for consumers, stating that, “over the past 15 years, research has found that drinking black, green or oolong tea may offer some protection from cardiovascular disease and cancer, lead to reduced risk of kidney stones, and strengthen bones, teeth and the immune system” (Tea Association of Canada, 2014). There were also numerous scientific studies conducted between 2003 and 2006 pertaining to green tea specifically. The studies found that consumers exhibited lower mortality, improved condition among chronic Leukemia patients, an improved overall antioxidative status, and a reduction of oxidative damage that could lead to cancer (Tea Association of Canada).
In an assessment of the Nepalese tea industry conducted by SAWTEE (South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics & Environment), it appears that “tea has a potential to benefit large segments of the rural population and lift them out of poverty and stagnation” (SAWTEE). This is possible due to the formulated National Tea Policy in 2000 which provides financial incentives to promote investment, availability of land for plantation use, developing institutions which foster exports, and the establishment of training centers for the use of potential tea farmers (SAWTEE).
References
Acharya, U. P. (2010). Livlihood Strategy of Bote Community: A Case of Bote Community of Patihani VDC of Chitwan. Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 247-258.
Finger Lakes Tea. (2014). The Legend of Mao Feng. Retrieved from Finger Lakes Tea Company: http://www.fingerlakestea.com/legend.php
Government of Canada. (2010, December). The Canadian Tea Industry. Retrieved from Statistics Canada: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/industry-markets-and-trade/statistics-and-market-information/by-product-sector/processed-food-and-beverages/the-canadian-tea-industry/?id=1298047470064#tea
Lohani, S. N. (2007). Climate Change in Nepal - Shall we Wait Until Bitter Consequences? Journal of Agriculture and Environment, 38-44.
Nepali Tea Traders. (2014). Shop Teas. Retrieved from Nepali Tea Traders: http://www.nepaliteatraders.com/pages/shop-teas
People's Republic of China. (2007-2014). Kaleidoscope - Food Culture. Retrieved from Cultural China: http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/131Kaleidoscope315.html
Pokharel, B. (2001). Gender Roles and Activities Among the Rural Poor Households: Case Studies From Hill Villages. Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology, 65-81.
Rainforest Alliance. (1987-2014). Sustainable Agriculture. Retrieved from Rainforest Alliance: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/work/agriculture/tea
SAWTEE. (2006). Tea Industry in Nepal and its Impact on Poverty. South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics & Environment, 1-10.
Tea Association of Canada. (2014). Tea - A Healthy Beverage Choice . Retrieved from Tea Association of Canada: http://www.tea.ca/tea-health/tea-a-healthy-beverage-choice/
Tea Association of Canada. (2014). Tea and Health Scientific Research Summary. Retrieved from Tea Association of Canada: http://www.tea.ca/tea-health/tea-and-health-scientific-research-summary/
Tea Association of Canada. (2014). Tea Types. Retrieved from Tea Association of Canada: http://www.tea.ca/about-tea/tea-types/
UK Tea and Infusions Association. (2014). Tea Growing and Production. Retrieved from UK Tea and Infusions Association : http://www.tea.co.uk/tea-growing-and-production
Maofeng tea is most commonly produced in Huangshan City, China, and is referred to as Yellow Mountain or Huangshan Maofeng Tea, a unique blend among the different variations of green tea on the market (People’s Republic of China) . This particular strand shows agricultural potential within similar regions of Nepal, primarily the Ilam district (Eastern Nepal, Mechi zone) or other hilly areas. Its production adoption in these regions could have positive economic effects for subsistence farmers and shows great export potential.
Product Information and Benefits to Nepal
History, Geography, Growth, and Processing
Part of what makes Maofeng Tea a particularly unique variation of green tea is its history. In an ancient Chinese legend a love-struck couple were tragically separated by death. The young woman wept over the grave of her deceased lover, until she became the rain, and the young man became a tea tree (Finger Lakes Tea). This legend gave the tea favoritism throughout its many years of cultivation.
The tea was initially produced in Huangshan City, China, among hilly and mountainous regions at a high altitude (People's Republic of China). Similar geographical locations are actually required to grow any type of tea. According to the UK Tea and Infusions Association, tea grows best in regions that feature a warm and humid climate with an average rainfall of at least 1000 mm per year (UK Tea and Infusions Association). Ideally, tea thrives in “deep, light, acidic and well-drained soil” (UK Tea and Infusions Association), at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2,100 meters. Particularly at higher altitudes, the tea trees are planted on terraces or in the contours of a hill to avoid soil erosion (UK Tea and Infusions Association).
The processing method used during the reign of the Qing Dynasty was to steam, roll and bake the tea shoots immediately after harvesting (people's Republic of China), a practice which is still relevant in modern tea culture. Specifically, “green tea is not oxidized. It is withered, immediately steamed or heated to prevent oxidization and then rolled and dried” (Tea Association of Canada) .
Environmental and Labour Sustainability
Though tea farming presents the possibility for the economic growth of subsistence farmers, there are certain environmental concerns that need to be considered. Firstly, by farming a large quantity of a specific crop the local biodiversity is replaced with a single-species monoculture (Rainforest Alliance). According to the research conducted by the Rainforest Alliance, monocultures increase the risk of, “soil erosion, competition for water, [and] pollution from fertilizers” (Rainforest Alliance). Climate change in Nepal is also a factor to consider, though it applies to farming as a general practice. In recent years, Nepal has experienced continuous ecological disturbances as a result of climate change in the form of floods, severe landslides, and soil erosion (Lohani). All such threats are particularly concerning for hillside or mountain farmers.
In regards to labour sustainability, hillside farming requires terraces to be dug out and maintained throughout the period of cultivation. While this is an extremely strenuous task, it will ultimately result in higher yields and prevent soil erosion and flooding. In addition, tea farming is primarily a hands on agricultural practice that requires bushes and trees to be plucked by hand (UK Tea and Infusions Association). Though the cumulative working conditions can be physically demanding, this method creates the demand for numerous year round workers and therefore positively effects employment rates within a given region (Rainforest Alliance). However, in the interest of poorer subsistence farmers, a smaller tea garden would require less labour but would therefore produce a lower economic return.
Sociological Impacts
Within most subsistence farming families, the women are the ones who are most likely to stay home and care for the children and the farm while the men are employed elsewhere (Pokharel). Deciding to grow tea would be a beneficial agricultural option since, though it requires long hours, the task is not particularly overwhelming since it only involves the picking of leaves on a regular basis.
Regarding the impacts on Nepalese children, a study conducted within hillside villages found that the enrollment of poor children within the local public school system has been low (Pokharel). There is an assumption that this is a consequence of stereotypical domestic responsibilities becoming a priority for young girls and labour opportunities becoming the preference for young boys (Pokharel). This is primarily a result of low household income which could therefore be positively affected by potential export revenue.
However, the production of tea alone is not enough for the average subsistence farmer as it will not provide the family with any source of food. Therefore, it is in the best interest of subsistence farmers to practice crop diversification which would allow for the production of household food in addition to having sellable goods (Archarya). This would also help in promoting local biodiversity.
Nutritional and Economic Benefits
Maofeng tea, being part of the green tea family, can provide many potential health and nutritional benefits to consumers. A Nepali tea exporting company known as Nepali Tea Traders clarifies that green teas, which are picked and processed quickly to avoid oxidation, retain their natural vitamins and antioxidants (Nepali Tea Traders). The Tea Association of Canada promotes tea as a healthy beverage choice for consumers, stating that, “over the past 15 years, research has found that drinking black, green or oolong tea may offer some protection from cardiovascular disease and cancer, lead to reduced risk of kidney stones, and strengthen bones, teeth and the immune system” (Tea Association of Canada, 2014). There were also numerous scientific studies conducted between 2003 and 2006 pertaining to green tea specifically. The studies found that consumers exhibited lower mortality, improved condition among chronic Leukemia patients, an improved overall antioxidative status, and a reduction of oxidative damage that could lead to cancer (Tea Association of Canada).
In an assessment of the Nepalese tea industry conducted by SAWTEE (South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics & Environment), it appears that “tea has a potential to benefit large segments of the rural population and lift them out of poverty and stagnation” (SAWTEE). This is possible due to the formulated National Tea Policy in 2000 which provides financial incentives to promote investment, availability of land for plantation use, developing institutions which foster exports, and the establishment of training centers for the use of potential tea farmers (SAWTEE).
References
Acharya, U. P. (2010). Livlihood Strategy of Bote Community: A Case of Bote Community of Patihani VDC of Chitwan. Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 247-258.
Finger Lakes Tea. (2014). The Legend of Mao Feng. Retrieved from Finger Lakes Tea Company: http://www.fingerlakestea.com/legend.php
Government of Canada. (2010, December). The Canadian Tea Industry. Retrieved from Statistics Canada: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/industry-markets-and-trade/statistics-and-market-information/by-product-sector/processed-food-and-beverages/the-canadian-tea-industry/?id=1298047470064#tea
Lohani, S. N. (2007). Climate Change in Nepal - Shall we Wait Until Bitter Consequences? Journal of Agriculture and Environment, 38-44.
Nepali Tea Traders. (2014). Shop Teas. Retrieved from Nepali Tea Traders: http://www.nepaliteatraders.com/pages/shop-teas
People's Republic of China. (2007-2014). Kaleidoscope - Food Culture. Retrieved from Cultural China: http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/131Kaleidoscope315.html
Pokharel, B. (2001). Gender Roles and Activities Among the Rural Poor Households: Case Studies From Hill Villages. Occasional Papers in Sociology and Anthropology, 65-81.
Rainforest Alliance. (1987-2014). Sustainable Agriculture. Retrieved from Rainforest Alliance: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/work/agriculture/tea
SAWTEE. (2006). Tea Industry in Nepal and its Impact on Poverty. South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics & Environment, 1-10.
Tea Association of Canada. (2014). Tea - A Healthy Beverage Choice . Retrieved from Tea Association of Canada: http://www.tea.ca/tea-health/tea-a-healthy-beverage-choice/
Tea Association of Canada. (2014). Tea and Health Scientific Research Summary. Retrieved from Tea Association of Canada: http://www.tea.ca/tea-health/tea-and-health-scientific-research-summary/
Tea Association of Canada. (2014). Tea Types. Retrieved from Tea Association of Canada: http://www.tea.ca/about-tea/tea-types/
UK Tea and Infusions Association. (2014). Tea Growing and Production. Retrieved from UK Tea and Infusions Association : http://www.tea.co.uk/tea-growing-and-production