What are the Key Facts About Tea? 

• Origin of Tea in India: Tea cultivation began in the early 19th century when the British discovered the Singpo tribals of Assam consuming a drink from wild tea bushes. Recognizing its potential, the British commercialized tea cultivation. 
• Characteristics of Tea Plants: Tea belongs to the Camelliaceae family, with two main species Camellia sinensis (Short-leaved ‘China’ variety) and Camellia assamica (Broad-leaved ‘Assam’ variety). 
  • It is an evergreen shrub, growing up to 30 feet if unpruned. Thrives in sub-tropical climates. 
    • Tea thrives in 16-32°C, 150 cm annual rainfall, and 80% humidity. It requires a frost-free environment, and temperatures above 35°C and below 10°C are harmful for the bush. 
    • Tea grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil with porous subsoil for water percolation. 
  • Fresh leaves contain ~4% caffeine. Tea seeds yield tea oil, used for cooking but different from tea tree oil used for medicinal purposes. 
• Tea Varieties: India holds Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Darjeeling Tea, Assam Orthodox Tea, Nilgiri Orthodox Tea and Kangra Tea. 
  • Darjeeling tea, known for its unique aroma and flavor, was India’s first GI-tagged product. 
• India’s Tea Industry: India has 39,700 tea estates and employs over one million workers. 
  • India is the second-largest tea producer after China, contributing 21% of global tea production and the world's largest producer of black tea.  
  • India is the 4^th largest exporter of tea. In 2023-24, the tea export value stood at 781.79 Million USD. 
    • India exports tea to over 120 countries, the top importers are Iraq, UAE, Russia, US, UK, Germany. 
  • India consumes 80% of its tea production and 18% of global black tea. 
  • The tea industry directly employs 1.16 million workers and indirectly supports an equal number. 
  • Small Tea Growers (STGs) contribute 52% of total production, with 2.3 lakh growers involved. 
• Regional Production Trends:  
  • North India (83% of total production): Assam (Assam Valley, Cachar), West Bengal (Dooars, Terai, Darjeeling). 
  • South India (17% of total production): Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka. 
• Tea Board of India (TBI): The TBI is a statutory body established in 1954 under the Tea Act, 1953, under the Ministry of Commerce.  
  • Headquartered in Kolkata, it also has overseas offices in London, Dubai, and Moscow.  
  • The Board consists of 31 members, including the Chairman, and is reconstituted every three years. 

Challenges in the Indian Tea Industry

• Declining Tea Production: India's tea production fell by 66 million kg in Jan-Oct 2024, with a further 45-50 million kg decline expected. 
  • Loss of first and second flush crops (which fetch the highest prices) is impacting revenue and pushing tea prices higher. 
• Impact of Climate Change: Extreme temperature fluctuations, including heat, rain deficits, and excess rainfall, harm tea bushes, reducing yield and quality. 
• Pesticide Ban: The ban on pesticides like Aldrin, and Captafol has increased production costs as growers seek alternatives, while demand for pesticide-free tea has risen in Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia, growers struggle with pest control. 
• Wages of Tea Workers: The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) report highlights inadequate wages and lapses in labor law implementation for Assam’s tea workers. 
  • State-owned Tea Corporation workers face delayed or irregular salary payments. 
  • Lack of basic worker welfare measures, including housing, healthcare, and retirement benefits. 
• Rising Costs and Market Pressures: Production losses and rising costs are putting financial strain on STGs . 
  • Competition from Kenya, Sri Lanka, and China is making Indian tea exports less competitive.