Official of Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) at Srimongal said, after last year's low production due to drought, this year's target was fixed at 60 million kilograms.

Last year's production was 53.27 million kg, which was about 7 million kg behind the target, they said.

The yield declined last year mainly due to poor rainfall in major tea growing areas in Moulvibazar and Sylhet during the peak production season. The inadequate rainfall accompanied with high temperature had an adverse effect on the tea sector, they said.

Besides, tea gardeners suffered due to lack of rain also in October-November.

In 2005, the country had the highest production of 60.14 million kg in several years due to a very favourable weather condition and average rainfall during almost the whole production season.

"This year, the tea producing region has been experiencing more rainfall from the beginning of March, which is still going on", Md. Shahjahan Akand, manager of state-run Somonbhag Tea Estate at Juri valley told the Daily Star yesterday.

The distribution fof rainfall is very good and temperature and sunshine are also favourable, which are very important for the sensitive crop. "But delayed supply of fertiliser is our major concern now", he said.

He however said since the rainfall is enough now, there is an apprehension of less rainfall at the end of production season in September-October. "If that happens, the crop may suffer a little", he said.

The situation was very bad last year when rainfall was less and also not evenly distributed in the region, the senior tea official said. Temperature was also too high for the crop, he added.

Fertilisation in time, which is very important, could not be done in most of the gardens due to lack of rain last year, he said.

Numan Haider Chowdhury, General Manager of Khadim Tea Estate in Sylhet said, tea is a very sensitive crop which needs uniform rainfall and sunshine during March-October.

"The crop position is good so far this year", the tea planter said. The situation is better in Mouvibazar region than in Sylhet.

Numan is also Circle Chairman of Bangladesh Tea Association's North Sylhet valley.

There are160 tea gardens in the country, most of them located in Moulvibazar district. The production varies from 55 to 60 million kg. Around two-thirds of this is consumed at home and the rest is exported.