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P.S. Sundar

Coonoor, Sept. 14 Global tea production has fallen by 9.8 million kg in the first half of 2008 compared to the same months of 2007, an analysis of the latest information available from Tea Board and producing nations indicates.

Production fell in all African countries, but increased in Asia. The highest increase occurred in Sri Lanka where the output rose by 29.7 mkg to reach 199.5 mkg.

India posted the second highest increase of 11 mkg to reach 345.7 mkg. Of this, South India recorded an increase of 10.3 mkg to total 119.7 mkg. North Indian production rose marginally by 0.7 mkg to total 226 mkg.

Bangladesh production rose by 1.2 mkg to reach 24.4 mkg.

The highest loss occurred in Kenya where the output fell by 39.9 mkg to dip to 181.6 mkg. Still the crop was higher than the 157.6 mkg recorded in the same months of 2006.

Uganda posted the second highest loss of 4.7 mkg to produce 20.2 mkg.

Zimbabwe’s output dropped by 3.3 mkg to total 6.7 mkg.

Tanzania posted 2.2 mkg to produce 18.5 mkg.

Malawi’s lost 1.6 mkg to total 31.1 mkg.

Because of short supplies, prices rule high at Kenya’s Mombasa auctions. Pakistan, which imports the bulk of its CTC tea requirements from Kenya, is forced to scout for teas from other suppliers. But, tea is in short supply in other African countries as well. So, it is required to buy in Asia.

Still, it cannot purchase its bulk requirements from Sri Lanka because the island supplies orthodox teas. So, it has to import volumes of CTC teas from India.

Compared to the price prevailing at Mombasa auctions, Pakistan saves Rs 50 a kg when it buys at Coonoor auctions.

“After a short pause for Ramzan fast, Pakistan importers have started placing orders for Indian teas as the pipeline stock has dwindled. We are purchasing CTC leaf grades at Coonoor auctions this week,” an exporter to Pakistan told Business Line.

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