Wake up, Tea Board

Sir, - With reference to the report on fall in tea prices (July 6), I wish to state that in the retail market, there is no fall in the prices and only at the auctions, the commodity is bought below the cost of production. Even in the Nilgiris where it is produced, tea is sold at Rs. 100 per kilo and some with brand names sell even more. Out of 800 million kg of tea produced in India per year, 80 per cent is locally consumed and only 20 per cent is exported. When there is a good demand for tea in the local market, why is it bought below the cost of production by the tea brokers. Who enjoys the huge profit between the buying price and the selling price? The Tea Board, instead of being a mute spectator to the havoc inflicted on the industry, must take over the responsibility of marketing the tea to ensure that the industry does not fall sick. Some tea plantations have not been able to pay wages to the workers for months together. A very grave situation is brewing in the plantation industry and the Government must intervene to save the lives of millions who depend on the tea industry.

V.Nadesan

Gudalur, Nilgiris

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