Overview

Indian tea is among the finest in the world owing to strong geographical and climatic conditions, heavy investments in tea processing units, continuous innovation, augmented product mix and strategic market expansion. India is one of the world’s largest consumers of tea, with about three-fourths of the country’s total produce consumed locally.

Main tea-growing regions in India:

Assam

Darjeeling and Dooars (West Bengal)

Nilgiris in south India

Advantage India

  • 577,477 hectare (approx.) of area under tea production with total production reaching 1254.49 million kg in 2016-17.
  • The largest producer and consumer of black tea in India. 
  • Production of all types of tea- black, green, oolong, bio dynamic, white, instant, etc. Indian tea is available in various formats like CTC, Orthodox etc. India also has different varieties of tea as per different regions; Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Munnar, Kangra, Doars-Terai, Sikkim and many more. 
  • Tea is served and enjoyed in various forms in India. For example- kahwa of Kashmir, kulhad tea, cutting tea, masala tea, lemon tea, etc. 
  • One of the pioneers and also one of the largest producers of organic teas. 
  • Famous for Masala Chai- tea with milk, sugar and Indian spices. 

Roles and responsibilities of Tea Board

Established in 1953, and started functioning in April 1954.

Headquartered in Kolkata with 17 offices across India.

Promotion and development of tea in India and abroad.

Organising participation in international fairs and exhibitions.

Arranging buyer-seller meets

Developing tea trade

Winning performances

  • Tea exports from India stood at 101.04 kg, valued at US$ 306.9 million in April-September 2016.
  • India is the second largest producer and fourth largest exporter of tea in the world. Exports reach 227.63 million quantity and US $ 690.73 million in value terms during 2016-17.
  • According to estimates, the tea industry is India's second largest employer. It employs over 3.5 million people across some 1,686 estates and 157,504 small holdings; most of them women.
  • India has a significant share in the international tea market with a 12 per cent share of world tea exports in 2013-14.

First among the best

While there are many varieties of Indian tea, yet the following ones are hailed by the connoisseurs for their outstanding strength, aroma and taste and have their own loyal admirers.

Darjeeling Tea

Nestled in the foothills of snowcapped Himalayas in North East India, grows the world’s most sought after tea. The region cool and moist climate, high altitude, soil and sloped terrains give Darjeeling tea its distinctive muscatel flavour. It has been registered as a geographical indication in India.

Assam Tea

The land of the one-horned rhino is also the home to the single largest contiguous tea growing region in the world, Assam. It is also the largest tea producing state in India. The Assam teas, often referred to as ‘Assam’ generate a rich, full-bodied, bright and strong liquor. Assam orthodox tea has been registered as geographical indication in India.

Nilgiri Tea

Grown at an altitude of 1000 to 2500 metres, Nilgiri teas are known for their unique combination of fragrance and briskness and make a great base for iced teas. Nilgiri Orthodox tea is registered as geographical indication.

Kangra Tea

It is grown on the foothills of the snowcapped Dhauladhar Mountains in Himachal Pradesh. It is widely appreciated for its characteristics flowery fragrance with a refreshing green note combined with a distinctive heavy note.

Sikkim Tea

The scenically beautiful state of Sikkim produce tea that is light, flowery, golden yellow and delicate in flavour. Sikkim tea has been certified 100 percent organic by IMO Control, a member of IMO Switzerland, since 2008.

Doars-Terai Region Tea

This region at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas is renowned for its rich Doars-Terai tea, which is heavy and full bodied.

Munnar Tea

Known for its distinctive clean and medium toned fragrance of a sweet biscuit dipped in malt. The Munnar teas are cultivated in the undisturbed ecosystem of the Western Ghats. With some tea plantation at 2200m above sea level, Munnar has some of the highest growing tea region in the world.