Erratic rainfall brews challenges for North India tea output, prices up

Except for Darjeeling, the other categories have been on an uptrend since mid-May

Erratic rainfall has affected tea production in North India, pushing up prices. However, industry stakeholders say the price increase is insufficient to offset the higher costs and crop losses.

Data from the Calcutta Tea Traders Association (CTTA) indicates that the average price realised for crush-tear-curl (CTC) leaf at Kolkata auctions held on Wednesday and Thursday was Rs 304.69 per kilogram (kg), compared to Rs 236.9 per kg the previous year.

The average price for CTC dust was Rs 304.69 per kg, up from Rs 246.95 per kg; orthodox leaf averaged Rs 312.15 per kg, compared to Rs 230.11 per kg;