Erratic rains, pests drag tea output down in May

Although the production of tea during the first five months of the year has increased over last year, production during May in north India has gone down due to erratic weather conditions and pest attacks. Excess rainfall specially in north-east India has adversely impacted growth of tea plants.

Production in Assam valley has come down to 24.22 million kg during May 2010 against 27.7 million kg during May 2009. Similarly, production in Cachar valley has also been affected and production during May came down to 4.31 million kg from 4.36 million kg last year.

The industry was apprehending that the lull period or ?bungee period? between the first and second flush could delay the harvest during second flush due in May.

Weather in upper Assam has not been favourable in the last couple of months. Moreover, the crop was also hit by helopeltis and red spider mites. Areas like Bibrugarh and Tingri have received considerable rainfall. Rainfall in places like Mangaldai in lower Assam was also favourable during the period.

Production in Darjeeling during may has also come down marginally to 1.01 million kg from 1.03 million kg during the period under review.

Meanwhile, production in Dooars went up to 12.41 million kg during May, 2010 from 12.16 million kg in 2009. Production in Terai region also went up to 5.04 million kg in May 2010, against 4.56 million kg in May 2009.

Harvest during the first flush of tea in north India, the finest variety of the crop also got hit owing to lack of rainfall during March this year, although lower Assam crop looked promising initially during the period after continuous rainfall in March. While total Assam production in March came down to 14.78 million kg in March 2010 from 16.44 million kg in March 2009, higher production was recorded in April.

S Patra, joint secretary of the Indian Tea Association, said, ?flood like situation in some areas created adverse impact on the production. But prices have gone up meanwhile.?

Auction price in north India has shown upward trend during the first five months of the year. Average price went up to Rs 99.19 per kg from Rs 95.60 per kg registering a growth of 13.88%.