The severe frost being experienced in various parts of the district for the past few days has evoked mixed reactions among the tea planting community.
Speaking to The Hindu many of the small tea growers pointed out that already they have been subjected to considerable hardship on account of their raw tea leaves fetching unremunerative prices. The reduction in yield will be akin to adding insult to injury.
The president, Nilgiris District Small Tea Growers Association Ramesh Bhojarajan said that though frost affected the yield there was also a beneficial side to such weather. The scorched tea leaves will give way to fresh young ones when Spring dawns. Meanwhile the Joint Director of Horticulture N. Mani said that apart from traditionally frost-prone areas some new areas have been affected by the current spell of frost. He added that a survey would be undertaken soon.
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