New Delhi: Tea production in India, the second-largest in the world, rose about 4% to 981 million kg in 2008 while the export of the commodity went up 10% to 196.03 million kg, on the back of lower output in the largest tea-exporting nation Kenya, and high prices.
According to the Tea Board, production between January and December rose to 980.81 million kg from 944.64 million kg, while output in December has risen to 58.61 million kg against 50.16 million kg in the previous year.
Similarly, exports increased to 196.03 million kg in the calendar year 2008, compared with 178.75 million kg the previous year while shipments in December rose to 20.51 million kg against 18.38 million kg a year ago.
India’s tea exports continued to benefit from the shortfall in Kenya, which had earlier announced a 16% decline in production in the first eight months of 2008.
High prices in the global markets for Indian tea, coupled with the resolution of trade-related complications with Iraq, a major importer, have contributed immensely to the increase in the exports, an industry expert said.
Prices of Indian tea shot up to Rs146.99 per kg in December 2008, compared with just Rs97.75 a year ago, while the average price between January and December last year rose to Rs116.39 per unit, compared with Rs101.26 in the year-ago period.
Source : www.livemint.com