Tea export grow by 63.7 per cent in June

Kolkata, Aug 11 (UNI) India's tea export grew by 63.7 per cent in June to 19.63 million kg from 12 million kg in the same month last year, Tea Board chairman Basudeb Banerjee said.

" More exports are reported from southern India in June leading to good exports. We could successfully tap markets in Middle East and Pakistan, " Banerjee said.

The country's tea production in June rose 5.2 per cent to 104.33 million kg as against 99.21 million kg in the same month last year, Tea Board officials said.

" Bad weather conditions in tea growing areas of West Bengal and Asom had an impact on production until March. However, improvement is visible and it will get better, " Indian Tea Association joint secretary Sujit Patra said.

The industry expects the outlook for the year to remain good.

With Kenya still recovering from a drought Indian tea producers hope to increase exports to 200 million kg by end of 2006 taking advantage of a global shortfall, officials said. In 2005 the exports stood at 187.6 million kg.

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