TEHRAN, Iran, April 30
Trend:
Iran's tea production is expected to grow in current Iranian year (started March 20, 2020), said the head of Iran Tea Association.
Ali Ramezani discussed the country's tea production volume in last Iranian year (began March 19, 2020) and prospects for the industry in the current Iranian year (began March 20, 2020) in an interview with Trend.
"Iran imported 75,000 tons of tea from India and Sri Lanka, while it exported 6,600 tons to northern neighbors and partly to Afghanistan and Pakistan during last Iranian year," Ramezani said.
"In total, 126,750 tons of tea leaves were harvested and 28,500 tons of dried leaves were produced. About 45 percent of teas were of the first grade and the rest accounted for the second grade. The value of harvested tea stood at about $10 million, and 172 tea-producing factories were active in the sector," he said.
"Since the beginning of the current year, 100 tea-producing factories have become active and the production will increase comparing to the last year if there is no frostbite," he added. "The cold has not damaged tea leaves so far, but it has delayed the harvest."
"The government paid 40 percent of costs as its share of guarantee tea purchase in last year while factories have paid 60 percent to farmers for their part to purchase dried leaves that was higher than government price that created competition," the head of the association said.
"The price of first grade tea for government guarantee purchase is 4,600 rials (about $1) per kilo, while the second grade cost 3,300 rials (about 75 cents). It is expected that factories will pay 75 percent of the costs and the government pays for 25 percent in current year," he said.
"The people have realized that Iran's tea has no added coloring or toxic substances, and the domestic consumption of Iranian tea has increased and the sales in last year were good," Ramezani said.
"If Iran's production volume reaches 35,000 tons, the tea import to the country will be reduced. More production will increase domestic consumption; however, in current situation, Iran's domestic tea consumption is 110,000 tons per year, while the domestic production is only 25,000 tons," he added.
"The tea gardens are being revived now. It is predicted that the harvest will start in May, and there is a hope for better climate conditions this year. The harvest is expected to be about 30,000 tons," he said.