The new tea crop is delayed by about two weeks because of an unusual dry spell in the tea growing areas of Dooars in north Bengal and the northern bank of Upper Assam, indicating that the crop may actually be lower than the projections.
Since November, Dooars, Cachar and the northern bank of Upper Assam have had no rains, resulting in a near drought-like situation. The northern bank of Upper Assam was the only region to have received rains and the only first flush tea came from the region.
However, industry representatives said, even the northern bank was now high and dry. “Normally there are continuous rains after the first shower, but that has not happened,” said sources.
As of now, the industry was expecting the new crop to hit the market two weeks from now. Basudeb Banerjee, chairman, Tea Board of India, said that the board would wait till April 15 and then decide whether it was necessary to revise crop projects. The projections for 2008 are production of 962 million kg, exports of 200 million kg, imports of 20 million kg and consumption of 825 million kg.
Azam Monem, former chairman, Calcutta Tea Traders Association, the only licensed and official organiser of public tea auctions in Kolkata, said that last two auctions were dropped as there were no new arrivals and old teas.
December production, were dearer by Rs 3-5 per kg, over the last sale at the auctions, and Rs 15-20 per kg higher than the same period last year.
Tea produced in December were averaging at Rs 90-95 a kg for Dooars and Assam teas. Last seasons started with a shortfall of six million kg and this season was expected to start with a 20 million kg shortfall.
However, if the dry spell continued, then the shortfall could climb.
Monem said that the situation was pretty much the same for south India. “Africa has also not received rains and it seems that there is a global climatic change,” he said.
Some of the industry representative said that unlike last year when any tea was being sold for very high prices, the desperation this time was not at the same level. “One reason could be that people had planned for the shortage,” said representatives.
