Tea Board has announced the district average price for green leaf of small growers of the Nilgiris district for the month of May. It is Rs. 18. 63 per kg. This is an all-time high price fixed for this month all these years.
The Executive Director of Tea Board, Dr. M. Balaji, informed the media that this price was fixed on the basis of the consolidated auction price of CTC teas from leaf factories in April.
According to him, all bought leaf factories should stick to this price in May when they buy green leaf from small growers. He has also asked all field officials to ensure that no factory that came under their jurisdiction pay less than the fixed price to growers in May.
The price fixed this year in May is much more than the price of the same month last year, which was Rs. 14.45. The increase of Rs. 4.18 connotes an impressive growth of about 28.93%.
So, compared to last year May month, growers can now receive around Rs. 16 extra for every kilogram of manufactured tea this year May. About 4 kg of green leaf is generally required to produce 1kg of tea.
About Nilgiri tea
The mesmerizing Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains) are sprawled across the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. They are home to the pastoral Toda tribe and the spectacular tea gardens that produce the soothing fragrant cup of tea.
Nilgiri tea harbors a slightly minty and a slightly fruity flavor. This is perhaps due to the presence of trees like Eucalyptus and Blue Gum in the region. In addition, spices are grown in close proximity to the tea gardens. They give the tea its briskness.
Nilgiri tea is the "blender's dream" thanks to its balanced blend of body and flavor. Nilgiri Orthodox tea is a registered GI (Geographical Indication). Both the CTC and the Orthodox varieties of tea are produced here.
So, if you are holding a cup of tea that is aromatic with delicate floral notes in its flavor and a golden yellow color, then this is Nilgiri tea. The best thing to have on a stressful day.
