They say while it is extremely important to increase CTC production, especially for the domestic market, it would be equally important for producers to concentrate on orthodox varieties as well to make inroads in the export markets.

According to an industry study, India's strength lies in the global market for orthodox teas. The study says the interest of the domestic market should not be overlooked as the scope for domestic consumption is very large. But in both cases, a higher output in orthodox and CTC must be supported by better quality of the produce, experts say.

The industry hasprojected a higher orthodox production for south India at 40 million kilograms. Although south Indian orthodox contributes less than 35 per cent of the total orthodox production in the country, a higher per cent has been predicted for the current year keeping in mind higher production targets at 830 million kgs in 1998.

The CTCs, which forms the bulk of Indian tea production, has been projected at 710 million kgs with a break-up of 550 million kg production in north India and 160 million kg from south India.It may be noted that except for Kenya, most tea producing companies of the world produce a substantial amount of orthodox teas. China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Taiwan, Iran, Japan, Turkey and USSR have almost all their tea production in orthodox varieties. The total orthodox tea production in India, including north and south India, is currently at 14 per cent.With India having to fight stiffer conditions in the world market this year, the quality aspect has to be the prime mover for clinching a majorportion of the exports.