Tea growers see an opportunity to boost the competitiveness of Indian tea in the global market, riding on the rupee’s recent weakness. India’s tea exports remained flat at 46.8 million kg between April and June compared to a year earlier although prices increased marginally. Arijit Raha, secretary general, ITA concurred that in certain markets a weak rupee would help spur exports. In the backdrop of rupee volatility, a 22-member delegation led by Tea Board deputy chairman Arun Kumar Ray will visit Kazakhstan from August 22-24. The delegation will comprise large and small tea growers, packers and tea brokers. While small growers had participated in overseas tea expositions earlier, this is the first time they would be part of a delegation, said Bijoy Chakraborty, president of the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Association.
