Tea production in north India is believed to have dropped by around 8 million kg (mkg) in August because of poor weather and pest attack pushing up the overall drop in output from the region to over 20 million kg this year.
According to sources in the Indian Tea Association (ITA), its own members have produced almost 4 million kg less tea in August. ITA members contribute to around 50% of total tea output in north India, which comprises of big tea gardens of Assam and Darjeeling.
Tea production in north India was also down in July by 3.15% to 123 million kg from 127 million kg produced. Tea Board estimates show that north Indian tea production is down by 23 million kg during May-July, 2010 period. ?We have been carrying a shortfall of more than 15 million kg till July this year. But weather condition in August was worse, following which the shortfall in production is likely to be more than 20 million kg till now,? said S Patra, joint secretary of the Indian Tea Association. Meanwhile, Tea Board officials have discounted the shortfall as being too little to merit any panic reaction.
?The shortfall is too little compared to overall production in the country. Moreover, supply in international market is better this year,? Basudeb Banerjee, chairman of Tea Board, told FE.
Earlier, ITA had reported a decline in production of around 2 mkg. The crop, particularly in upper Assam region, was severely affected with nearly all major tea companies reporting significant drop in output.
Tea crop in upper Assam region, which houses some of the most famous gardens like McLeod Russell, Apeejay Tea, Warren Tea Assam Co and M K Shah Exports has on an average dropped by almost 20% this year. According to CS Bedi, managing director of Rossell Tea this year seems to be one of the worst years for Indian tea industry.