KDHP incurs loss from frost, drought

Kochi, Apr 3 (UNI) The Kannan Devan Hills Plantation Company (KDHP) has suffered an estimated loss of Rs 8.80 crore due to crop loss in tea because of severe drought and frost in the high ranges.

According to an official statement here today, the damages due to frost and drought which started in December resulted in a loss of 16 lakh kg of tea at KDHP in Munnar in Idukki District.

More than 1,600 acre of tea plants of KDHP were affected with varying degree. In around 900 acre, the crop shoots repeatedly suffered damage in the last three months while in 600 acre, the damage extended to the maintenance foliage.

In 122 acre, the damage extended into the frames which would entail crop loss for nearly six months.

Due to the unprecedented dry conditions, the recovery of the frost affected bushes was severely affected.

KDHP is a private limited company formed in April 2005 by former employees of Tata Tea Limited.

UNI