A extended drought and the absence of rain seems to have taken a toll on Kerala’s tea production this yr as output has dropped by way of 36 in step with cent during the primary sector (April-June) of the current season. Industry sources attributed the reason for the autumn in output to the vagaries of nature inside the length between February and June.

Per the figures to be had with the Association of Planters of Kerala, tea production inside the State all through the duration among April and June this yr stood at 21.30 million kg in comparison to twenty-five.25 million kg within the corresponding length closing year.

Climate alternate impacted the cost of production, which was steadily going up. A higher enter cost also pushed up the price past doable levels, assets within the quarter stated. The modern-day production cost hovers properly above ₹one hundred fifty/kg, whereas the common auction charge realisation according to kg became underneath ₹one hundred and five, which is set ₹2 much less than inside the preceding yr.

Sources stated the distinction between the value of production and rate realisation has been unfavorable.

Normally, the primary flush season in Kerala starts from the second 1/2 of April to first 1/2 of June. The second flush season commences from the second half of September to first half of of November.

The climate alternate seems to be having an irreversible effect on tea plantations. The weather cycle in tea growing regions is extraordinary and has precipitated severe damages to the cropping sample.

Moreover, atypical climate situations in and around Munnar among December 2018 and February this 12 months also precipitated crop loss, that is predicted at approximately 15-20 consistent with cent.