Dry Spell

Bad weather took production figures for January down by 5 percent to 25 mn kilos, over last January quote s record volume of 27 mn kilos. Brokers however are concerned that rather than a single instance, Sri Lanka quote s tea production has been declining since November 2001. The lower January figure was the result of an 11 percent drop in Low Country production to 14.

4 mn kilos, over 16.3 mn kilos achieved over the same period last year, Asia Siyaka Commodity Brokers said. The main growing districts of Ratnapura and Deniyaya and planting districts on the Eastern part of the island had been most affected, while High and Mid Grown planting districts in the Western region has enjoyed a better month.

Asia Siyaka forecasts lower intakes in February with dry weather conditions being reported from most planting districts.