Kolkata’s tea prices have gone up by 18% from January to October this year compared to last year. The reason for this increase is that tea production has dropped significantly—by about 66.39 million kilograms, leading to a total of 1,112.11 million kilograms produced this year.
During a recent meeting between Assam tea growers and Union Minister Piyush Goyal, he emphasized the importance of producing high-quality tea and following health and safety rules. He urged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and state governments to keep a close watch on these standards. The Minister also mentioned that there would be no extension allowed for tea plants to stay open after November 30, 2024, although top-quality tea producers could apply for special exceptions according to the Tea Board’s rules.
Another important point discussed was the need to control too much tea in the market so that prices don’t fall too low. The meeting also highlighted that selling 100% dust-grade tea through auctions will continue. This measure has helped keep the prices of dust-grade tea steady after the auction process changed.
With production set to stop after December 1, 2024, India’s overall tea production is expected to be less than last year. Bad weather in Assam and West Bengal has led to a drop in crop yields. While tea prices have risen recently, the lower production has affected earnings across the industry. The India Tea Association is worried that prices might drop in November compared to September, with prices falling between Rs 15 to Rs 40 per kilogram in auction centers across North India
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