The Association of Planters Kerala (APK) has raised concerns over the drop in average tea auction price at Kochi against the production cost.

The price at Kochi auction is around ₹96 whereas it is less than ₹80 in Wayanad, ₹94 in Peerumade, ₹110 in Devikulam and in Palakkad, the figure is ₹102.

However, the average production cost in Kerala hovers around ₹125, and tea producers are making an average loss of ₹31 for every kg of tea they produce, APK said. Meanwhile, arrivals at Kochi auctions registered a drop at 9,02,500 kg compared to the previous week and the market for good liquoring teas continued to be steady and sometimes dearer.

Several vendors were active for this particular variety and there was improved upcountry and export enquiries in sale No. 37, auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.

The quantity on offer in Orthodox grades was 17,000 kg and the market was lower witnessing heavy withdrawals. A very small quantity sold was absorbed by exporters. In Cochin CTC dust quotation, Good varieties fetched ₹106-145, medium grades at ₹63-106 and plain stood at ₹50-65.

In leaf sale, the quantity on offer was 147,000 kg with the market for Nilgiri brokens, whole leaf and Fannings remained firm to dearer following quality.

However, the demand was fair in CTC grades with good liquoring teas becoming firm to dearer. The quantity on offer was 68,000 kg and exporters lent fair support. In dust category, Monica & Mayura SFD quoted the best prices of ₹145 followed by Mayura SRD at ₹144. In leaf grades, Chamraj FOP-Sup Green Tea fetched the best prices of ₹331 followed by P’s Woodlands Hyson Green tea at ₹299.

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