Guwahati, April 30: Despite odds, India exported 280 million kilograms of tea in the last financial year, which was the highest-ever export by India, said the Deputy Chairman of the Tea Board, C Murugan.
He also made it clear that the Jorhat Tea Auction Centre has not been closed down and it will start functioning soon.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, Murugan said that overall tea scenario in the country is good. He said that most of the exports last year were made to Iran, Iraq, UAE and erstwhile USSR countries. He said that Russia is a traditional tea importer from India and that is why, an office of the Tea Board was also set up in Moscow.
The exports to Iran were affected because of the ongoing war in West Asia and the tea exporters are looking for alternatives. He said that China is also importing Indian tea now. Though China produces large amount of tea, the country mostly produces green tea and the country is now importing orthodox and CTC from India. Murugan also revealed that Darjeeling tea is considered as a premium brand.
Replying to a question, Murugan admitted that in the international market, Indian tea is facing challenges from Kenya and Sri Lanka. The cost of production in both those countries is much lower than that in India and they can offer at a cheaper rate.
On tea imports, Murugan said that some companies are importing tea for blending and that is not illegal.
On the production scenario this year, Murugan said that the plucking season has just started and the Tea Board is expecting good production. The production in North Bengal is very good but if the production improves, there is possibility of prices going down.
On the controversy regarding closure of Jorhat Tea Auction Centre, Murugan asserted that it has not been closed down.
It would start functioning soon, he said, adding that the contract with the vendor has ended and the Tea Board has not renewed the contract. Murugan said that there are seven tea auction centers in the country and the Tea Board took a decision to bring uniformity in all the centers. He said that new tenders have been floated and the new vendor would start operating the centers from August and the Jorhat centre will reopen at the same time.