The turnover of Coonoor Tea Trade Association in the first four months of this year has increased by 15.94 per cent over the same period of last year, according to an analysis of the market reports. This has happened because more volume was sold at a higher price.

In all, 17 auctions had been conducted in January, February, March and April. A total volume of 1.56 crore kg had been sold against 1.38 crore kg in the same months of last year. The average prices increased to Rs 72.45 a kg against Rs 70.64 last year. Consequently, the overall turnover increased to Rs 113.02 crore from Rs 97.48 crore, an increase of 15.94 per cent.

The increased turnover laid spread among growers, factory owners, dealers, buyers, warehouse keepers and workers. There has been a consistent increase in turnover in all the months so far this year. The increase in turnover, which was Rs 67 lakh (2.39 per cent) in January over the same month of 2011, rose to Rs 4.70 crore (9.26 per cent) in February and Rs 10.31 crore (13.46 per cent) in March before peaking to Rs 15.54 crore (15.94 per cent) in April.