GUWAHATI: A line of CTC PF grade of Deckiajuli Tea Estate Auctioned by J Thomas & Co at a record price of Rs 651 per kg and another BP grade sold at Rs 605 per kg at Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) in Assam on Wednesday

These are the highest prices for the year 2024 so far. GTAC is always considered a hub of quality teas and is preferred by both buyers and sellers. 

“These quality producing gardens selling their teas through the auction platform always get the best prices for their produce,” Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers Association (GTABA) secretary Dinesh Bihani said.

Parry Agro Industries Ltd’s senior general manager (marketing), Joe Louis said that Deckiajuli improved its quality from last year. The company took a policy to manufacture top CTC quality seeing the premium received from the buyers.

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“Deckiajuli continues to be on the same path and has produced consistent top-quality tea. These prices are recognition of the hard work and good practices followed by the Parry Agro team and support from the buyers and the market,” Bihani said.  

Last year a line of Haroocharai sold at a record price of Rs 705 and Halmari sold at Rs 670. In recent times, various stakeholders are not in favour of the auction system which is not true.

“In GTAC auction sales, now more than 100 lots are selling between Rs 350-500. It means quality is always appreciated and remunerated with lucrative prices,” Bihani also said. 

“The higher the price realisation in auction will result in prices to small tea growers who are making good quality leaf,” he also said.

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“In private sale, no one knows at what prices teas are sold and how small growers get reasonable price of their green leaves,” he further said. 

“This year Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) has reduced its printing time to sell the teas in auction. Now, Sellers can sell their produce and get payment within 30 days. This will considerably help in improving sellers’ Cash flow and cost realisation.  Some sellers prefer to sell their quality tea in private and remaining unsold teas selling through GTAC which brings down auctions averages,” he added.