Context:
Tea production in July rose to 165.01 million kg, up from 155.29 million kg in the same period of the previous year. North Indian tea production in July amounted to 143.05 million kg.
Relevance:
- GS Paper – 2-Growth & Development
- GS Paper – 3
- Distribution of Key Natural Resources
- Agricultural Resources
- Cropping Patterns
Dimensions of the article:
- About tea
- Cultivation of tea
- Production of tea
- Consumption of tea
- Exports of tea
- GI tag
- Tea Board of India
About tea:
- Tea is a popular beverage crafted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and ranks as the second most-consumed drink globally, following water.
- Tea’s origins trace back to the northeastern regions of India, northern Myanmar, and southwestern China. However, pinpointing the exact location of the plant’s initial growth remains uncertain. Historical evidence suggests that tea consumption dates back 5,000 years in China.
Cultivation of tea:
- Climate: Tea thrives in tropical and sub-tropical climates, flourishing in hot and humid conditions.
- Temperature: Optimal growth occurs within temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, while extremes above 35°C and below 10°C prove detrimental to the plants.
- Rainfall: Tea requires an annual rainfall of 150-300 cm, evenly distributed throughout the year.
- Soil: Suitable soil for tea cultivation is slightly acidic, with porous subsoil permitting efficient water percolation.
- Production: India stands as the world’s second-largest tea producer. The northern part of the country contributes about 83% of the annual tea output in 2021-22, with Assam and West Bengal being major contributors.
In Assam, tea is primarily cultivated in the Assam valley and Cachar regions, while in West Bengal, the Dooars, Terai, and Darjeeling are prominent tea-producing areas. Southern India accounts for around 17% of the nation’s total production, with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka as key states. The country’s tea production for the fiscal year 2020-21 reached 1,283 million kg.
- Consumption: India ranks among the world’s leading tea-consuming nations, with 80% of domestically produced tea consumed by its population.
- Exports: India ranks among the top five tea-exporting countries, contributing around 10% of global tea exports. In 2021, tea exports from India amounted to approximately USD 687.9 million. During 2021-22, India exported 201 million kg of tea. Notably, the majority of India’s tea exports consist of black tea, making up about 96% of total exports.
- Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Indian teas, such as Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri, hold esteemed global recognition due to factors like geographical indications, substantial investments in tea processing, ongoing innovation, diversified product offerings, and strategic market expansion.
- Notably, Darjeeling Tea, often referred to as the “Champagne of teas,” was the first product to receive a GI tag. Other variants like Green and White tea from Darjeeling also boast GI tags.
- Tea Board of India: The Tea Board of India, established in 1953, operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce. Its primary objective is to foster the development of India’s tea industry. The board commenced its operations in 1954.
