The Hindu Business Line : Tea output may be hit in upper Assam

Tea production in upper Assam, which produces some of the world's finest quality CTC teas, has been severely affected due to a drought-like situation during the last one month.

According to Assam tea industry leaders, temperature in this region has gone up to as high as 42 degree Celsius. The heat and lack of rainfall are taking a major toll on tea crops.

"Such a situation in Assam is witnessed for the first time in the last two decades," Mr Aditya Khaitan, Managing Director of McLeod Russel India Ltd, told Business Line.

According to him, the young tea bushes were affected, which could lead to loss in production. The figures will be available only when the industry compiles its total figure at the end of the month.McLeod Russel India Ltd, with an annual production of 70 million kg, is the world largest bulk tea producer.

Localised showers

Assam contributes approximately 64 mkg and this production is almost equally divided between upper and lower Assam.

Whatever rains that lashed the region have mostly been localised in some pockets, Mr Khaitan said. "We have not seen the widespread rains across the valley as generally it is witnessed during the monsoon," he said.

When queried whether the situation was serious, he preferred to call it "grave". He, however, added that "drought-like situation" would not have a long-term effect. "It is not that the bushes are on fire," he said.

The situation is no way similar to the drought reported in Kenya, earlier this year, he added. "That was of higher magnitude. It is not that bad," he added.

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