INDIA
First-quarter Covid-19 related losses will exceed $275 million according to the Indian Tea Association (ITA). The March 21 lockdown and related transportation and logistics delays cut tea production by 65% in March and by 50% in April in Assam and West Bengal.
ITA, which represents planters, urged the federal government and state governments to provide financial support and relief payments. Growers are pressing for an increase in working capital. Operations resumed April 12 but with a limited workforce. Pruning overgrown bushes delayed plucking an additional two weeks. In the meantime, dry weather has lowered yields.
Production totals are 140 million kilos below normal output according to ITA. Export demand is increasing from key trading partners that include Russia, UAE, and Europe.