Tea Exports Increase To Rs 1231.85 Cr In 1996-97

Exports of tea from the country during 1996-97 have been of the order of 162.86 million kg, (estimated) valued at Rs 1,231.85 crore, as compared with 163.65 million kg during 1995-96, valued at Rs 1,191.19 crore.

The comparison indicates an improvement in export earnings during 1996-97 despite marginal shortfall in volume of tea exports.

According to an official release issued here yesterday, government and the Tea Board have been analysing countrywise exports of tea giving special attention to areas offering potential.

The board also acts to remove bottlenecks in exports to individual markets whenever these are noticed.

Other steps taken to increase exports of Indian tea include participation in major trade fairs/exhibitions abroad, media campaign to increase consumer awareness of speciality of Indian tea and campaign to popularise the Tea Board's marketing symbol which stands for pure Indian tea.