Though night-time temperatures continue to stay at just a few degrees above freezing point, Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation (Tantea) officials do not expect the ensuing frost to have a negative financial impact due to decreased tea production in government-owned tea estates and factories.
Speaking to The Hindu, Srinivas R. Reddy, Managing Director of Tantea, said that winter frost was a yearly phenomenon that usually occurred during the months of December and January, and continued sometimes till March.
He said that the winter led to a slight decrease in the growth of tea plants, which resulted in slightly lowered production.
“However, we get better quality, more aromatic tea at this time of the year, and the ensuing decrease in production is made up for by the fact that tea sells for higher prices in auctions during this time,” said Mr. Reddy, adding that it was expected that tea produced across all estates in the Nilgiris would be sold at higher prices.
Mr. Reddy added that there were five Tantea factories across the Nilgiris, and that a few factories will not be operational during December.