Tea production in June declines on rain, pest attacks

Tea production in June was affected severely by rain and pest attacks, the latest figures released by the Tea Board show.

While in May, the region witnessed a production of three million kg against the corresponding period last year. June saw the maximum crop loss in both Assam and West Bengal.

The decline in June was 13 million kg for Assam and two million kg for West Bengal, resulting in an overall decline of 15 million kg. In May, the drop was to the tune of three million kg.

“Tea estates in Assam have also reported that production in July has also been adversely impacted due to continuing heavy rain and the slow recovery of estates from the severe helopeltis pest attack during May and June,” said the Indian Tea Association (ITA).

However, Indian tea exports have registered an increase of nine million kg in January-June vis-à-vis last year. While exports from north India have declined by two million kg, unit price realization saw an increase of Rs 70 lakh a kg.

Exports from south India have increased by 12 million kg, however with lower unit price realisation.

Overall during January-June, total exports from India registered 84 million kg with forex earning at Rs 1,036 crore against 75 million kg valued at Rs 984 crore last year.

ITA expects exports scenario to remain bright for the rest of the year. Egypt, Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan are major importers of Indian tea.