Global black tea production in the first seven months of current calendar year has fallen by 5.84 per cent over the corresponding period of 2011, reveals an analysis of the latest data available with producers’ and traders’ bodies.

“According to our compilation, global black tea production till July has fallen to 966.53 million kg (mkg) from 1026.46 mkg last year”, Rajesh Gupta, Director, Global Tea Brokers, publishers of annual Global Tea Statistical Diary, told Business Line.

This fall of 59.93 mkg marks a decline of 5.84 per cent. The largest reduction of 22.33 mkg has occurred in Kenya (production: 182.48 mkg). Closely following this is 20.83 mkg in India (470.76 mkg). Here, North India has lost 15.42 mkg (332.72) while the South, 5.41 mkg (138.04 mkg). Uganda has lost 8.86 mkg (12.65 mkg) while Sri Lanka 7.70 mkg (188.10 mkg). Indonesia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania have also posted a lower production.

Malawi and Bangladesh are the only countries reporting an increase, marginal though, on production.

Adverse weather is said to be the main cause for the lower production and most countries opine that it would be difficult to recoup the loss already suffered in the coming months. Accordingly, it is estimated that the global black tea production this calendar would be around 2,600 mkg against 2,667 mkg in 2011.

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