Tea at Assam and Barak

·         In July 2008 Tea produced in Assam valley and Barak valley (Cachar) regions of Assam commanded better prices in the auction market so far this year much to the glee of the planters

·         According to Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC), all varieties of tea produced in Assam are getting better prices this year as compared to last year.

·         Assam produces over 50 per cent of the total tea produced in the country

Mission IAS’2009

·         The CTC tea produced in Assam valley has been sold at an average price of Rs 89.66 per kg in the GTAC compared to last year’s price of Rs 71.90 per kg.

·         The CTC tea produced in Barak valley has been sold at an average of Rs 79.58 per kg in the GTAC as compared to last year’s price of Rs 60.56 per kg.

·         Assam Orthodox tea is getting an average of Rs 90.09 per kg in the GTAC compared to last year’s average price of Rs 73.87 per kg.

·         The tea dust produced in Assam valley has been sold at average Rs 91.73 per kg in the GTAC that is much above the last year’s average price of Rs 73.87 per kg.

·         Similarly, Barak valley tea dust is getting an average of Rs 90.62 per kg as compared to last year’s price of Rs 73.04 per kg.

·         A bug called Helopeltis has affected tea crops in eastern Assam and parts of West Bengal and the tea planters are looking up to the scientists at Tea Research Station at Tocklai and the Tea Research Association of India to find a remedy to get rid of the haunting pest.

·         The pest attacks has so far precipitated about 10 per cent crop loss in eastern Assam tea belt with tea estates in Doom Dooma, Margherita, Naharkatiya and Sonari areas being the worst hit.