Tea output from Assam's Barak valley falls

Tea production in Assam's Barak valley recorded a sharp decline during the months of March and April compared to same period last year mainly because of the drought conditions prevailing in the area, an official statement said.

Production of the brew in the valley has seen a 67 percent decline for the period up to April 24 from 6.49 million kgs in 2012 to 2.16 million kgs this year, a Tea Board release said here Friday.

Tea production in Barak Valley starts in the middle of March and the tea is processed in April. Tea production during the month of April is critical.

If rainfall did not occur in the immediate future, there might be a further fall in production in the valley, the Tea Board said.