HABIGANJ, Aug 9 (V7N) — Tea produced by the state-owned National Tea Company Limited (NTC) has fetched a record average price at the Chattogram International Tea Auction, marking the highest average selling price in the company's history.

A total of 151,560 kilograms of tea produced by 12 NTC-owned tea estates was sold at the auction on August 3. The average selling price reached Tk 280.59 per kilogram, according to sources familiar with the auction.

The price was Tk 35.59 higher per kilogram than the government-set base price of Tk 245. The auction generated a total revenue of Tk 4 crore 47 lakh 73 thousand 722 for NTC.

The 12 participating estates included Jagadishpur and Teliapara in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj; Chandichhara and Parkul in Chunarughat; and Patrokhola, Kurma, Champarai, Madanmohanpur, Lakkatura, Madhabpur Premnagar and Bijoya tea estates in Moulvibazar and Sylhet districts.

Several lots of high-quality orthodox and CTC tea produced by the estates reportedly secured prices above expectations at the auction, reflecting strong demand for quality tea.

Dewan Bahauddin Liton, manager of Teliapara Tea Estate, said the higher auction prices were the result of sustained efforts to improve the quality of tea.

He said tea workers had received regular training, while close supervision at the estate level and strict adherence to the selective plucking method of harvesting “two leaves and a bud” had helped improve the quality of green tea leaves.

“These measures have improved the quality of the raw leaves. They have also brought positive changes to the colour, aroma and taste of the processed tea, which has been reflected in auction prices,” Liton said.

NTC has also made significant progress in tea production during the current season.

Rafiqul Islam, deputy general manager of NTC, said the company's tea production had increased by around 25 per cent up to July 31 compared with the same period last year.

He said NTC had managed to keep its overall expenditure under control despite rising production costs and global economic pressures.

“The use of modern technology and ensuring quality processing at our factories have contributed to positive results in both production and sales,” he said.

The development comes as Bangladesh's tea industry continues to face a number of challenges, including adverse weather, the effects of climate change, rising labour costs and increased production expenses.

Industry stakeholders believe that maintaining high-quality tea production while improving market management and controlling production costs could create new opportunities for the country's tea sector.

NTC Managing Director Ziaul Hasan said the collective efforts of the company's officials, employees and tea-garden workers had helped its estates recover despite difficult circumstances.

“Our special initiatives to increase production and improve tea quality are now producing visible results,” he said.

NTC expects production and sales to remain strong during the remaining months of the current tea season, which runs until November.

The company is also pursuing a long-term development strategy focused on modern agricultural management, planting improved tea varieties, expanding factory capacity and exploring new markets.

NTC aims to strengthen its competitiveness and profitability in both domestic and international markets through these initiatives.

The record price achieved at the Chattogram auction is therefore being viewed by industry stakeholders as more than a one-off commercial success. They believe it demonstrates the potential of improved production practices, quality management and cost efficiency to help strengthen the country's tea industry.

END/MMA/SMA/