The Hindu Business Line : Excess rainfall worries tea planters

Rains have increased the prospect of harvest in the tea plantations in the Nilgiris. If the fields get sufficient sunshine, the crop would be good in the coming weeks, say the planters.

In November until now, Coonoor has received 526.9 mm of rainfall. Last year in this period, the rainfall totalled only 236.4 mm. The showers this year were more than the average of 432.8 mm for the whole month of November. In October, the rains recorded the highest level for the last 16 years.

The rainfall totalled 755.1 mm. The previous high was in October 1990 when the rainfall totalled 807.7 mm.

Because of the rains, arrivals had been huge at the auctions. But, since the demand was inadequate to absorb the huge offer, prices have fallen in the recent weeks. But, the excess rainfall without the intervening sunshine could reduce the crop in the coming weeks.

"There is huge moisture content. In some areas, blister blight infection is also seen. Factories are reporting a shortage of firewood. So, production would be hit," Mr T. Rangaiah, President of the Nilgiris Small Tea Growers' Association, told Business Line.

More Stories on : Tea | Climate & Weather

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Record delivery in cardamom on NMCE

Paddy procurement by SHGs: AP Govt to provide infrastructure

Seed inspectors can now test GM crop

In troubled waters

Poor crop

Rubber contracts hit upper ceiling on NCDEX

Spot rubber firms up

Excess rainfall worries tea planters

Ghee, milk powder prices likely to remain firm

`Organic farming, only solution to agriculture crisis'