With favourable weather conditions, prospects of tea production seems better this year than that of last year, according to tea experts and producers.
Official of Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) at Srimangal said, after last year’s low production due to drought, this year’s target was fixed at 60 million kg. Last year’s production was 53.27 million kg, which was about 7 million kg behind the target.
The yield declined last year mainly due to poor rainfall in major tea growing areas in Moulvibazar and Sylhet during the peak production season. The inadequate rainfall accompanied with high temperature had an adverse effect on the tea sector.
Besides, tea gardeners suffered due to lack of rain also in October-November.
In 2005, the country had the highest production of 60.14 million kg in several years due to favourable weather condition and average rainfall during almost the whole production season.
The distribution of rainfall is very good and temperature and sunshine are also favourable, which are very important for the sensitive crop. But delayed supply of fertilizer is our major concern now.( Anon, 2007.)
