Tea output likely to rise by 4 pc

New Delhi (PTI): The country's tea production is expected to rise by 4.25 per cent to about 980 million kg in calender 2008 compared to last year's output, according to the government's promotion body for the commodity.

"We expect the tea production to be about 980 million kg this calendar year," Tea Board Director (Development) G Boriah said.

The Tea Board, which is the government's promotion body for the commodity, has estimated the country's tea production at 940 million kg for calender 2007.

Boriah also said tea production in the current financial year is estimated at about 932 million kg compared to 947.17 million kg in 2006-07.

"The drop in tea output last year was mainly due to flood in the north-eastern parts of the country while the southern states were affected because of drought," he said.