Assam industry hopeful of 2009 tea party

The Assam tea industry is hopeful that the 2009 story would continue this year too, at least on the price realisation front.

The year 2009 was one of the best years in recent memories for the Assam tea industry in terms of both production and price realisation.

“I think the prices would be stable this year too and would be more or less the same as of last year,” said Bidyananda Barkakoty, chairman of North Eastern Tea Association (NETA). The Assam tea industry is closely monitoring the crop production in Kenya, which is said to be very good till now this year. Good crop production in Kenya can upset the Assam tea industry’s hopes.

 Last year, the average price of Assam tea was up by almost Rs 19, which undoubtedly was above expectation. As against the average price of Rs 91.71 per kg of tea in 2008 at Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, the average was Rs 110.42 in 2009.

 This year, though crop production in March has been hit to some extent due to rough weather conditions, the tea industry is hoping for the best.