15 pc tea production in North Bengal in July lost: ITA

The flood like situation in north Bengal which accounts for an annual production of 200 million kg of tea has affected crop volumes to the extent of 15 per cent in July, according to a senior ITA official.

Secretary general of Indian Tea Association (ITA), the apex body of tea planters of north India, Arijit Raha told PTI "15 per cent of the crop has already been lost in north Bengal due to flood like situation".

He said that the annual production volumes in north Bengal was to the tune of 200 million kg, adding that 15 per cent of that was being produced in normal weather conditions in July itself.

"But due to floods, 15 per cent of the July crop has already been affected", Raha said.

Also, July is known for producing premium quality tea which fetches a good price in the market. "That is lost forever", he said.

The overall situation in north Bengal is very bad due to incessant rains for the last several days with many bushes under the water, according to the industry experts.

Tea Association of India (TAI), said output in July was expected to be lower by around 20 per cent to 25 per cent.