Tea output marginally dips to 947 million kg in Apr-Oct

India's tea production in April- October period of the current financial year marginally declined by 0.73 per cent to 946.97 million kg due to lower output from southern states.
Tea production in the same period last fiscal was at 953.97 million kg, according to tea board data.
The tea production has been low so far mainly due to unfavourable weather conditions and wages issues have also hit tea producers hard.
During the year, there have been reports of labour migrations to other industries rather than staying at the tea gardens on account of issues related to quality of life and wages.

India, the world's second-biggest tea producer and also one of its largest consumer. The country exports CTC (crush- tear-curl) grade tea to countries like Egypt, the UK, and other traditional varieties to Iraq, Iran and Russia.
Tea plucking in India mainly picks up between July and October.