Introduction
India is the second-largest producer of tea globally. Indian tea is one of the finest in the world due to strong geographical indications, heavy investment in tea processing units, continuous innovation, augmented product mix, and strategic market expansion. As of a 2018 survey, total of 6.37 lakh hectares of area was cultivated in India for tea production. India is also among the top tea-consuming countries in the world with 80% of the tea produced in the country being consumed by the domestic population.
India’s total tea production for the calendar year 2020 was 1,257.52 million kg and for the financial year 2020-21, it was 1,283 million kg.
The northern part of India is the biggest producer at about 77% of the total country’s annual tea production during the year 2020 with the majority of the production coming from Assam followed by West Bengal. The Assam valley and Cachar are the two tea-producing regions in Assam. In West Bengal, Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling are the three producer regions.
The southern part of India produces about 18% of the country’s total production with the major producing states being Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Export Trend – Total Product
India is among the top five tea exporters in the world contributing about 10% of the total exports. In the year 2020, the total value of tea exports from India stood at US$ 692.1 million. Indian Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri tea are considered one of the finest in the world.
The exports from India in terms of quantity between January-November 2021 stood at 175.39 million kg.
During April-November 2021, India exported tea worth US$ 458.88 million. For the year 2021, the total exports crossed US$ 600 million.
Export by Country
India exports tea to more than 25 countries across the world. Russia, Iran, UAE, the US, the UK, Germany, and China are some of the major importers of tea from India.
Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the other CIS countries make up about 22% of the total quantity and 15% of the total value of tea exported out of India during the period April-November 2021.
Iran, UAE, the US, the UK, Germany, and Japan are some of the other major importers from India making up about 14%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5% and 2% of the total exports respectively.
Netherland, Ireland, Poland, Canada, China, Saudi Arabia, and Australia are among the top importers in the world contributing around 1% to 3% of the total exports each.
Product type-wise export
India produces a variety of tea as given below,
|
Darjeeling |
Nilgiri |
Dooars-Terai |
Sikkim Tea |
|
Assam |
Kangra |
Masala Tea |
Tripura |
Majority of the tea exported out of India is black tea which makes up about 96% of the total exports.
The types of tea exported through India are: Black tea, Regular tea, Green tea, Herbal tea, Masala tea, Lemon tea. Out of these, the black tea, regular tea and green tea make up approximately 80%, 16% and 3.5% of the total tea exported from India respectively.
Government Initiatives
In order to help Indian exporters for marketing teas of Indian origin in overseas markets on a sustained basis, the Tea Board of India started a scheme: Promotion for packaged Tea of Indian origin. The scheme provides assistance in promotional campaigns - up to 25% of the cost reimbursement, display in International Departmental Stores, product literature and website development, and inspection charges reimbursement of up to 25% of the charges.
The Tea Board also provides subsidies to the domestic exporters to participate in International Fairs and Exhibitions. The aim is to provide a platform to the exporters to showcase their products in international events for promotion and facilitate generation of trade opportunities.
Governing Body – Tea Board of India
The Tea Board of India was set up in 1953 for the development of tea industry in India. It started functioning in 1954. The board is located in Kolkata and has 17 offices across India. Being the regulatory body, the Board exerts control over the producers, manufacturers, exporters, tea brokers, auction organizers and warehouse keepers through various control orders notified under Tea Act. The responsibilities of the board are increasing production and productivity, improving the quality of tea, market promotion, and welfare measures for plantation workers and supporting Research and Development.
Other than the development and regulatory framework, the Tea Board of India also undertakes direct promotional activities which include organizing joint participation in international fairs and exhibitions, arranging buyer and seller meets, sending and hosting trade delegations. It also carries out market surveys, analysis, identifying and tracking consumer behavior and providing relevant and accurate information to the importers and exporters.
RELATED SITES
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Website: www.teaboard.gov.in
