Tea production up by 4 per cent in June on higher output from West Bengal

NEW DELHI: India's tea production increased by 4 per cent to 136.18 million kg in June on higher output in West Bengal, according to government data.

Output stood at 131.20 million kg in the same month last year, the Tea Board said in an estimate.

In Assam, tea production was up by 2.13 per cent to 74.29 million kg in June from 72.74 million kg in the same month last year. Output in West Bengal increased 17.17 per cent to 34.67 million kg in June from 29.59 million kg a year earlier.

Assam and West Bengal are the two major tea-producing states, with their combined output accounting for 82 per cent of output in June.

In south India, tea output declined 8.15 per cent in June to 24.47 million kg.

India is the world's second-largest producer and the biggest consumer of tea.

The country's tea production increased 3.62 per cent to 1,135 million kg in 2012-13. Output stood at 1,126 million kg in 2012.