Introduction
Tea, or chai, is more than just a drink in India – it’s a way of life. With its cultural roots stretching back centuries, India today stands as the second largest tea producer in the world. The country’s unique geography, diverse climates, and fertile soil make it an ideal home for world-class teas.
Tea thrives best in hilly terrains with acidic, porous, loamy soil (free of calcium) and steady temperatures around 21°C for about 8 months. Northeastern India, with its heavy monsoons, and the Nilgiri ranges of South India provide just the right conditions for cultivating top-quality tea leaves.
By 2022-23, India’s tea production had reached 1374.97 million kilograms, with Assam and West Bengal leading the charge.
Tea Production in India – Quick Stats
Total Growers: 2,31,093
Area under cultivation: 6,19,773 hectares
Production (2022-23): 1344.40 million kg
Northern States’ Share: ~83%
Southern States’ Share: ~17%
India produces a variety of teas including Black, Green, White, and Oolong, each with its own taste and global following.
Largest Tea Producing States in India
1. Assam – The Tea Paradise
Growers: 1,23,177
Area: 3,47,809 hectares
Production (2023): 672.14 million kg
Assam alone contributes over 50% of India’s total tea output. The fertile Brahmaputra Valley, abundant rainfall, and humid climate produce the world-famous malty Assam black tea, loved for its bold flavor.
2. West Bengal – Where Heritage Meets Tea
Growers: 37,008
Area: 1,38,691 hectares
Production: 408.73 million kg
Home to the legendary Darjeeling tea, often called the Champagne of Teas, West Bengal accounts for nearly 28% of India’s production. The misty Himalayan foothills provide ideal conditions for delicate, aromatic teas with global appeal.
3. Tamil Nadu – The South Indian Tea Haven
Growers: 46,610
Area: 63,912 hectares
Production: 165.88 million kg
The Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu are famous for producing teas with a bright liquor and brisk flavor, often used in international blends. The state also contributes a significant share of green tea.
4. Kerala – The Western Ghats’ Tea Treasures
Growers: 8,018
Area: 35,650 hectares
Production: 60.36 million kg
Munnar in Kerala is known for its scenic tea estates nestled in the misty Western Ghats. Kerala produces orthodox teas with a golden color and mellow taste, adding diversity to India’s tea profile.
5. Karnataka – Specialty Teas in the Ghats
Growers: 16
Area: 2,093 hectares
Production: 5.12 million kg
Though small in scale, Karnataka’s Kodagu and Chikmagalur regions are gaining recognition for their specialty teas, produced using eco-friendly practices. Most of its production is consumed locally, but exports are gradually increasing.
How India Can Boost Tea Production
Invest in research & development for better yields and quality.
Promote sustainable practices to protect soil and water.
Support small tea growers with credit, technology, and market access.
Expand tea cultivation to new suitable regions.
Improve global branding of Indian teas.
Encourage tea tourism in Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiris, and Munnar.
Conclusion
India’s tea story is a blend of tradition, geography, and innovation. From the robust malty teas of Assam to the delicate floral Darjeeling teas, and from the brisk Nilgiri brews to Kerala’s mellow orthodox teas, every region adds its unique flavor.
As global demand for tea rises, India’s top tea-producing states—Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka—continue to shape the nation’s position as a global tea powerhouse.
So, the next time you sip a steaming cup of chai, remember—it carries the essence of India’s hills, valleys, and hardworking tea growers.