With production of tea in West Bengal and southern part of the country down in March, onset of the first flush season, a healthy growth in Assam production has come to the rescue. But industry insidersare afraid that production will go down further during April.
The production in Dooars was down to 7.6 million kg during March this year compared to 7.8 million kg during March last year. Similarly, productionin Terai was down to 6.1 million kg during March compared to 6.6 million kg last year. While production in Darjeeling was little higher to 0.58 million kg during the month from 0.53 million kg it could not compensate overall shortfall in Bengal production by 0.64 million kg.
Production in Tamil Nadu was also down to 14.04 million kg during the month from 14.5 million kg level last year. Karnataka production also went downduring the period by 0.15 million kg. Although production in Kerala was upby 0.27 million kg to 4.1 million kg total south Indian production during Marchwas down to 18.59 million kg from last year?s level of 19.17 million kg.
Meanwhile, production in Assam was better than last year and the state registered a production of 23.6 million kg against 14.7 million kg in March 2010. CS Bedi, chairman of the Indian Tea association, said: ?We are apprehending even lower production during April this year. Although figures for the month are not out yet but it seems that productionwill be lower.? According to him, for north Indian production April production isalways low if March production is better. ?If weather is suitable forthe crop in March, then it is normally adverse in April,? he said.
Meanwhile, CTC tea has fetched better prices this year. ?The sale was almost R15-16 higher than last year?s level,? Bedi said.
