The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) has done theanalysis to identify its weaknesses and threats to actefficiently in the crisis period, an official said."The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities andthreats) analysis was done so as to examine both positive andnegative aspects of the impact on the Assam tea industry,"NETA Adviser Bidyananda Barkakoty said.Tea production is seasonal, and about 60 per cent ofthe crop in Assam is harvested in July, August, September andOctober, he said, adding that this is "a strength of theindustry" as the production is expected to continue in thepeak seasons.
He, however, said the Assam industry has estimated "80million kg production and around Rs 1,200 crore revenue lossdue to the lockdown"."These are our weaknesses. The production in March andthis month was hit, even though the operations at gardens with50 per cent workforce resumed from April 15. Planers need todo skiffing of overgrown leaves and the production in May willbe impacted to some extent," Barkakoty said.He said it will take some more time for the supplychain to stabilise.Describing tea as "an immunity booster", he said theconsumption of the beverage is unlikely to be affected infuture, and there is "a possibility of increasing exports toChina".
"It is time to explore new markets for exporting teaas the product has multiple health benefits. There is anopportunity for tea producers to sell tea directly throughonline platforms," he said.Exports to traditional markets may get affected due tothe coronavirus pandemic, he added. ESBBDC BDC