India’s tea production rose by 25.76% in Jan–May 2025, but Darjeeling tea output declined by 10.34% during the same period.

Key Trends in Tea Production (Jan–May 2025)

• National Production Surge: Total tea production in India reached 336.22 million kg, up from 267.36 million kg in Jan–May 2024.
• Regional Growth
  • West Bengal witnessed a 44% increase in production.
  • Assam recorded a 14% increase over the same period.
• Falling Output: Darjeeling Tea Production dropped to 1.34 Mkg in Jan–May 2025, down from 1.47 Mkg in the same period of 2023, an 18.24% shortfall.
  • Unfavourable weather and pest attacks were the primary reasons for the decline, as per Tea Board officials.

• EXIM Trend:
  • Exports (Jan–Apr 2025) slightly declined to 85.77 million kg, down 0.22% from the same period in 2024.
  • Imports (Jan–Mar 2025) rose to 9.86 million kg, with Kenya and Nepal contributing 74% of the total surge seen in 2024.

India’s position in Tea Production

• Production In India: India is the second-largest producer of tea globally, following China.
  • It is the largest producer of black tea in the world.
• Export : In 2024, India’s tea exports reached 255 million kg, surpassing Sri Lanka and ranking second after Kenya.
  • Black tea accounts for 96% of total tea exports
  • Other exported varieties include regular, green, herbal, masala, and lemon tea.
• Major Production Areas:
  • Assam accounts for 55% of India’s total tea production with plantations in Assam Valley and Cachar.
  • West Bengal is another major tea-producing state with tea plantations in Dooars, Terai, and Darjeeling.
  • The southern region of India contributes 17% to the country’s total tea production, with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka being the key producing states.
• Consumption: India is one of the world’s top tea-consuming countries.
  • 80% of India’s tea production is consumed domestically.

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