Sale 10 | Ep 108 | 11 March 2023
This week, tourism came into focus. The Telegraph reported that 16 proposals were received from estates in the Darjeeling, Terai, and Dooars region, of which 12 were related to tourism. Darjeeling first flush EX invoices have begun indicating a promising first flush. Estates including Jungpana, Giddapahar, Sourenee, Rohini, Upper Fagu, Risheehat, Selim Hill, Puttabong, and Tukvar are now available at retail prices were upwards of Rs 10,000/kilo (USD120). South India saw Sale 10 with nearly 3,000 tonnes of tea on offer, with a sale volume of 80%. CTC averaged Rs 128/ kilo, while orthodox grades did better, with a sale volume of 90% at an average price of Rs 157/ kilo. The prices are similar to the previous week.
- West Bengal government receives proposals for tourism-related projects from garden owners in Darjeeling, Dooars, and the Terai.
- Rainfall expected in tea regions across India
- No Sale was conducted in North India
India Price Watch
By Aravinda Anantharaman
This week, tourism has come into focus. The Telegraph reported that 16 proposals were received from estates in the Darjeeling, Terai, and Dooars region, of which 12 were related to tourism. Two proposals were from Darjeeling, where Luxmi Tea already has a luxury hotel in partnership with the Taj Hotels at Makaibari tea estate. Upper Fagu is also considering developing a resort on 50 acres of its property. The non-tourism-related proposals included pepper and medicinal plant cultivation and a food processing unit. Tourism development draws a mixed reaction from planters and industry stakeholders who are divided on how it will impact the tea sector.
Assam continues to develop its tea programs, the latest being opening a tea stall at the Guwahati Railway Station that members of the transgender community will completely man.
Tea Price Report
South India saw Sale 10 with nearly 3,000 tonnes of tea on offer, with a sale volume of 80%. CTC averaged Rs 128/ kilo, while orthodox grades did better, with a sale volume of 90% at an average price of Rs 157/ kilo. The prices are similar to the previous week.
Tea Price charts, courtesy TSigma Consultancy
There was no sale in North India.
Darjeeling first flush EX invoices have begun indicating a promising first flush. Estates including Jungpana, Giddapahar, Sourenee, Rohini, Upper Fagu, Risheehat, Selim Hill, Puttabong, and Tukvar are now available at retail prices were upwards of Rs 10,000/kilo (USD120).
Crop & Weather
Rain arrives in Darjeeling with hailstones in some estates, such as Chamong and Sungma. Upper Assam is predicted to see below-normal maximum and minimum temperatures with light to moderate rainfall—thunderstorms and lightning warning till the 17th of March. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to see thunderstorms with hail and lightning in isolated places. Rain is predicted in the Nilgiris and Munnar as well.
