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Tea is more than just a drink in India; it’s a cherished tradition, a daily comfort, and a vital contributor to the economy. As the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of tea, tea producing states in India play a crucial role in the global tea industry. From early morning chai stalls to elegant tea rooms, the beverage is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian life.
The country’s diverse geography, from Darjeeling’s misty hills to Assam’s fertile plains, creates ideal conditions for cultivating a wide range of teas. Each region brings unique flavors and characteristics, making Indian tea a product and an experience. Over ten Indian states grow tea, supporting millions of livelihoods and shaping regional identities.
In this article, we’ll explore the top tea producing states in India, understand the different types of tea grown, and highlight major tea companies that shape the market. We’ll also examine the industry’s challenges and the emerging opportunities in organic and specialty teas. Let’s dive into India’s fascinating tea landscape.
India is a tea powerhouse, producing over 1.3 billion kilograms of tea annually. This remarkable output places India among the top tea-producing countries in the world, second only to China. The country’s diverse geography, ranging from humid plains to misty hills, combined with tropical and subtropical climates, creates ideal conditions for growing various types of tea. Fertile soils, consistent rainfall, and varying elevations across the tea producing states in India allow year-round cultivation in multiple regions.
Tea is not just an agricultural product in India; it’s a livelihood for millions. The tea producing states in India directly employ over two million workers, many of whom are women, and support countless others through allied sectors like transportation, marketing, packaging, and export. India’s tea reaches over 100 international markets, including major consumers such as the United Kingdom, Russia, and the United States, making it a crucial player in the global tea trade.
Assam leads the nation in tea production, contributing over 50% of India’s total output. Assam’s lowland valleys and high humidity in the country’s northeastern part provide perfect growing conditions. The region is famed for its bold, strong-flavored black tea, a staple in households and exports. Central districts like Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Jorhat are at the heart of this production, with large estates and traditional know-how. Assam’s dominance in volume and reputation firmly establishes it as the highest tea producing state in India and a cornerstone of the country’s tea legacy.
India’s diverse geography and climate make it one of the world’s leading tea producers, with several tea producing states in India cultivating distinct varieties. Each tea-producing region contributes uniquely to India’s rich tea heritage and economic landscape.
Assam, fondly known as the tea city of India, is the heartland of Indian tea production. Located in the country’s northeastern part, this state contributes over 50% of India’s total tea output. The region is celebrated globally for its bold and malty black teas, which form the base for many breakfast blends, including the popular English Breakfast tea.
The Assam tea plantations are a sprawling network of lush green estates, often covering thousands of acres. The state’s hot and humid climate and rich alluvial soil create the perfect environment for producing intensely flavorful, bright-colored teas.
Assam’s influence extends beyond volume; the state sets quality benchmarks and houses some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious tea estates.
Thanks to Darjeeling tea, West Bengal stands tall in the global tea landscape, often dubbed the “Champagne of Teas.” Grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling tea is known for its delicate flavor and floral aroma. The Dooars region, located in the northern part of the state, also contributes significantly to the state’s production.
Darjeeling tea has earned Geographical Indication (GI) status, making it one of India’s most prestigious and protected exports.
Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills are home to some of the finest high-altitude teas in India. The estates around Coonoor and Ooty produce teas known for their fragrance, smooth flavor, and bright liquor.
Nilgiri teas are especially valued for blending due to their consistent quality and bright color. The region also contributes to India’s growing specialty and flavored tea exports.
In Kerala, tea is primarily grown in Wayanad, Idukki, and Munnar. These hilly regions are covered with mist and experience high rainfall, making them perfect for cultivating fragrant and light teas.
Kerala’s tea gardens are also a popular tourist attraction, offering scenic beauty and insights into sustainable tea farming practices.
While not as prominent as Assam or Darjeeling, Karnataka’s Coorg district has made a mark in India’s tea production map. The region is known for its organic and blended teas, cultivated in the biodiverse Western Ghats.
Karnataka is gaining recognition for its unique teas and is well-positioned to benefit from the rising global demand for organic and artisanal teas.
Himachal Pradesh, particularly the Kangra Valley, has a rich tea legacy dating back to the British era. The cool climate and undulating terrain are ideal for cultivating green and orthodox black teas.
Kangra tea has also received GI status, helping preserve its authenticity and boosting its appeal in domestic and export markets.
One of the emerging tea producers in India, Tripura is gradually gaining attention for its climate-resilient and organic tea cultivation. With increasing government support, tea plantations in the state are expanding.
Tripura’s tea is finding buyers in neighboring countries and niche global markets seeking sustainably grown products.
Tea cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh is still in its early stages but holds immense potential. The state’s pristine environment and high-altitude conditions are ideal for producing high-quality, small-batch teas.
Arunachal teas are known for their freshness and unique taste; specialty tea buyers increasingly seek them out.
The Temi Tea Garden in Sikkim is the state’s only tea estate, but is highly regarded for producing organic black tea of exceptional quality. Temi tea is widely exported to Europe and Japan, where it enjoys a premium status.
Sikkim’s commitment to organic farming ensures that its tea meets the highest purity and environmental responsibility standards.
Nagaland has recently entered the tea production landscape with community-based initiatives and state-supported development programs. The hilly terrain and rich biodiversity offer the right conditions for tea cultivation.
Though still a small player, Nagaland is building momentum and has the potential to become a notable name in India’s northeastern tea corridor.
These ten states form the backbone of India’s diverse and thriving tea industry. Each region brings unique character, climate, and cultivation techniques, enriching the country’s tea heritage. Whether it’s Assam’s robust flavors or Darjeeling’s delicate notes, the tea producing states in India offer a sensory journey through geography, culture, and craftsmanship.
India offers a broad spectrum of teas shaped by regional climate, elevation, soil conditions, and traditional processing methods found across various tea producing states in India. From bold black teas to soothing herbal blends, the country’s tea landscape is as diverse as its culture. Here’s a detailed look at the significant types of tea produced in India.
Black tea is India’s most widely consumed tea, known for its bold flavor and dark color. Assam’s strong black tea is the backbone of India’s chai culture, while Darjeeling’s orthodox black tea is prized globally for its muscatel aroma.
Green tea is gaining popularity across India because of its light, refreshing taste and numerous health benefits. It is sourced from the Himalayan foothills, especially Kangra and Sikkim, and is valued for its purity and subtle flavor.
White tea is the most delicate and least processed among all tea types. Due to its limited production and labor-intensive processing, white tea is rare and often considered a luxury item.
This semi-oxidized tea bridges the gap between black and green tea.
These caffeine-free blends are infused with Indian herbs and spices for wellness benefits. India’s specialty teas are becoming global favorites for their functional benefits and Ayurvedic roots.
India’s tea industry thrives not only because of its diverse geography and rich history but also due to the efforts of well-established tea companies across the tea producing states in India. These enterprises range from multinational giants to regional champions and organic specialists, each playing a crucial role in shaping the country’s tea legacy. They contribute significantly to employment, export revenue, and India’s global image as a leading tea producer.
Tata is one of the most prominent players in the Indian tea market. Tata has revolutionized the tea market with consumer-focused innovations and advertising campaigns.
Popular in western and northern India, Wagh Bakri offers a wide variety of teas catering to different tastes and budgets.
Brooke Bond is one of India’s most trusted tea brands under the HUL umbrella. It is known for its heritage, quality, and iconic advertising.
A pioneer in herbal and wellness teas.
An old and prestigious company with a strong presence in Darjeeling and Assam.
These companies shape India’s tea narrative and uplift rural communities through employment and sustainable practices.
State | Production Volume | Famous Tea Type | Key Districts | Export Contribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assam | Highest | Black | Dibrugarh, Jorhat | Very High |
West Bengal | 2nd | Darjeeling, Oolong | Darjeeling, Dooars | High |
Tamil Nadu | 3rd | Nilgiri | Coonoor, Ooty | Moderate |
Kerala | 4th | Light black, green | Munnar, Idukki | Moderate |
Himachal Pradesh | Lower | Green | Kangra | Low |
Among the tea producing states in India, Assam leads in production volume and export value, while West Bengal is renowned for its premium Darjeeling tea. Tamil Nadu and Kerala add diversity with their aromatic Nilgiri and light teas. Though states like Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim produce lower volumes, they contribute unique, high-quality teas to niche markets.
While globally renowned, the Indian tea industry, especially in key tea producing states in India, faces a mix of persistent challenges and emerging opportunities. These factors are shaping the country’s future of tea cultivation, production, and trade.
The Tea Board of India actively supports the industry through:
With strategic focus, India’s tea industry can overcome its hurdles and achieve sustainable growth.
India’s tea landscape reflects the country’s rich cultural and geographical diversity. Each of the tea producing states in India contributes uniquely to India’s vibrant tea heritage, from Assam’s strong and malty brews to Darjeeling’s floral delicacies. Assam continues to lead as the highest tea-producing state, while other regions like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala add depth and variety to India’s tea offerings.
However, the tea producing states in India face modern challenges like climate change, labor shortages, and market saturation. To remain competitive and sustainable, Indian tea producers must embrace innovation, organic farming, and strategic branding. With growing global interest in health-conscious and specialty teas, there is tremendous potential for Indian teas in new and emerging markets.
Supported by government initiatives and a strong domestic base, the tea producing states in India are well-positioned to strengthen their global standing. The future of Indian tea lies in blending tradition with innovation while preserving the legacy that makes it world-renowned.
Read More: Crop Seasons in India
Assam leads tea production in India, contributing over 50% of the nation’s total output. The fertile Brahmaputra Valley and humid climate create ideal conditions for cultivating robust, high-quality teas globally renowned for their rich, malty flavor.
India is home to several prominent tea-producing states, with Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Tripura leading the list. These regions are known for their favorable climates and diverse terrains, ideal for cultivating various types of tea.
Assam, the largest tea-producing state in India, contributes over 50% of the nation’s output. Jorhat is hailed as the “Tea Capital of the World,” while Dibrugarh is popularly known as the “Tea City of India” for its rich heritage.
The British introduced tea to India in the 19th century to challenge China’s dominance in the tea trade. Robert Bruce’s discovery of wild tea plants in Assam played a key role in establishing India’s now-thriving tea industry.
China is the world’s largest tea producer, known for its diverse range of green, black, oolong, and white teas. With a rich tea culture and ideal growing conditions, it leads globally in both production and exports.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.