Tea production in the first two months of the current year that started in January is up by 8.2 million kg due to good rains in the southern states in November and December, United Planters? Association of South India (UPASI) said.
Exports was also up by 5 million kg while unit realisation is up by Rs 5 for the period as compared to same period last year.
Tea production was extended in most estates during the lean months of November and December because of high prices, UPASI sources added.
However, UPASI sources said that though tea production is up in January and February, but scorching heat in February and March could pull down output in the coming months.
Auction prices have moved down a tad due to increased arrivals, which has also helped in higher exports in January and February.
Weak tea prices have helped in higher exports to Iraq, Russia and Pakistan, which are always on the look out for cheap tea, sources said.
Exports for the two-month period was estimated at 29.24 million kg as against 24.2 million kg in the same period of 2009.
Both South India and North India have improved their performance by almost 2 million kg . Unit realization for the period was at Rs 127.23 per kg as against Rs 122.45 in 2009.
India?s total tea production in 2009 was down marginally at 978.9 million kg compared to 980.81 million kg a year earlier. Exports were also lower at 191.5 million kg, compared to 203.1 million kg in 2008.