20000325

Kenya, Malawi tea growth set to improve

NAIROBI: Tea growth in Kenya and Malawi is set to improve as more rainfall is reported in key growing areas tea traders Africa Tea Brokers (ATB) said on Friday.

But ATB said crop levels in Kenya remained low during the week because current rains are irregular and low temperatures and isolated hailstorm in the Kericho district had undermined crop.

"More rainfall has been reported, although inconsistent, and temperatures in Kericho district have been cold for the time of the year with isolated hailstorms," ATB said in a weekly report.

"Crop levels remain low but should start to show a gradual improvement once more regular rainfall is received."

ATB said Malawi has been experiencing cloudy mornings and hot afternoons with scattered showers and thunderstorm. Please see TEA/EAF02 and TEA/EAFO3 for auction average prices and forthcoming auction volumes broken down by grade and country of origin.-Reuters