India is the second-highest producer of tea in the world after China. Tea is a necessary drink that most Indians cannot do without. India’s tea production comes at 9,00,00 tonnes. India’s northern part is the biggest producer, producing about 83% of the country’s tea production globally. Moreover, Assam is known to be the largest tea producer state in India.
This blog will explore the biggest tea-producing states in India. This includes the production values and areas used in their cultivation. It’s an understanding that can help explain why India holds such a proud heritage of tea production.
Biggest Tea-Producing Countries in the World
Tea is one of the most popular beverages across the world. Although many nations produce tea, just a few are the world’s top producers. These nations produce tea of the best quality while also maintaining it. The top producers of tea in the world in 2024 are listed below. Showing the nations that contribute the most to the world market for tea, it draws attention to their production values.
| Rank | Countries | Production Value (in Tonnes) |
| 1 | China | 24,00,000 |
| 2 | India | 9,00,000 |
| 3 | Kenya | 3,05,000 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 3,00,000 |
| 5 | Turkey | 1,75,000 |
| 6 | Indonesia | 1,57,000 |
| 7 | Vietnam | 1,17,000 |
| 8 | Japan | 89,000 |
| 9 | Iran | 84,000 |
| 10 | Argentina | 70,000 |
List of Largest Tea Producing State in India
Now, we are aware that India is the second largest tea producer in the world. This huge production is a result of the efforts of several Indian states. The soil and climate of these states are ideal for growing tea. Every state offers a different sort of tea with different and unique flavours. A brief overview of these important Indian states that produce tea, along with their contributions to the tea business, may be seen in the list below.
1. Assam
The largest tea producing state in India is Assam. On average, the state utilises 347.809 hectares of land to grow 654.63 million kg of tea. In 2024, Assam produced around 73.48 million kg of tea in June alone, surpassing the 66.51 million kg produced in June 2023. Assam commercial tea farming is helped economically as it is rich in flavour. Moreover, Assam contributes more than 50% of total tea production in India.
2. West Bengal
The second leading producer of tea in India is West Bengal, accounting for nearly 329 million kilograms each year. The total tea estates in the state amount to some 140,440 hectares, with important places like Darjeeling and the Dooars playing important roles. While Darjeeling is renowned for its high-quality black teas, the Dooars are also famous for their green teas, which are widely noted for their flavour. The state’s tea industry forms a major backbone of the economy and provides employment to thousands of workers.
3. Tamil Nadu
The third largest tea-producing state in the country is Tamil Nadu which contributes to a vast majority of the overall output. In 2023, the state put out 165.88 million kilograms of tea. The area under tea cultivation in Tamil Nadu is approximately 63,913 hectares. The Nilgiri region, primarily recognized for its specific aromatic flavour is the leading tea-growing region in the state.
4. Kerala
The state provides around 59 million kilograms of tea per year and is ranked fourth in tea production in India. Tea plantations occupy about 35,010 hectares of land, and the main tea-producing districts include Munnar, Idukki, Wayanad, Kottayam, and Thrissur. The good quality of tea in Kerala is because of ideal climatic conditions and elevation of these areas.
5. Karnataka
Karnataka comes at number five in the list of tea producing states in India produces about 5.12 million kilogrammes/year. The state cultivates tea on around 2,093 hectares, mostly in regions like Chikmagalur and Kodagu. Despite the fact that coffee is more well-known in these areas, the favourable temperature and soil conditions are driving a steady increase in tea production.
6. Tripura
Tripura comes sixth in the list of tea producing states in India, producing around 9 million kilograms every year. Tea is cultivated on nearly 6,400 hectares. Recently, the state has established its very own Tea Auction Centre in Agartala as an effort to promote local marketing and reduce transport cost. This will increase profits while streamlining the tea market and making tea better and worthy of its existence in the state.
7. Arunachal Pradesh
Every year, Arunachal Pradesh produces about 214 million kilogrammes of tea. The state’s tea farming area is around 2,200 hectares, with a concentration on organic and speciality kinds such as white, green and golden needle tea. The state’s small tea producers are receiving active help from the Tea Board of India to increase output and enhance processing capabilities.
8. Himachal Pradesh
A significant tea-producing state in India is quickly becoming Himachal Pradesh. There are currently 2,310.71 hectares in the state dedicated to tea cultivation. 2021–2022 saw an approximate 10,01,419 kg of tea produced. By 2026–2027, the state government hopes to increase this output to 200,000 kg. In addition, the tea business employs over 5,000 people and makes a contribution of roughly Rs 20 crores to the regional economy.
9. Sikkim
Dedicated 175 hectares to tea planting, Sikkim is one of India’s most famous tea-producing states. About 700 metric tonnes of tea are produced in the state each year. Sikkim’s lone tea estate, Temi Tea Garden, makes an important contribution to this production. Popular for producing superior tea that holds its own in several auction houses. Despite its small size, Sikkim’s tea industry is a vital part of the state’s economy and culture.
10. Nagaland
With 1,750 hectares of tea growing, Nagaland is becoming one of India’s leading tea-producing states. Every year, the state produces about 1,000 metric tonnes of tea. Nagaland’s environment is excellent for growing a wide variety of tea varieties, which improves the quality of tea produced there. The tea gardens in Nagaland offer job opportunities and support the local economy. Nagaland’s tea is distinct and becoming more and more well-liked by consumers because of its emphasis on organic cultivation techniques.
Prospects of Tea Production in India: The Requirements
Tea production in India takes place in the mountains, such as the Nilgiri hills, northern Indian mountains and the sloppy hilly terrains. Moreover, for producing top quality tea leaves, some important points are required, such as temperature, soil and others.
- Soil
For growing tea leaves soil needs to be acidic, porous, and loamy. And it should not contain calcium. Farmers follow all these requirements to grow tea leaves.
- Temperature
Growing tea leaves needs a continuous temperature of 21°C for 8 months. Therefore, the best yields increase between June and September in the Northeastern part of India. Monsoon is also another essential requirement for quality tea production.
- Sloping Hills
Sloping land is best for tea production as they do not survive in a stagnant water supply. Therefore, the tea estates are found at an altitude of 1220 metres.
Exports of Tea
In India, the tea industry is the main foreign exchange earner which helps greatly economically. Moreover, Tea from India is exported to countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Germany, UAE, Russia, Poland, and Bangladesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Que1. Which country is the second largest exporter of tea?
Ans. India is the second largest exporter of tea in the world and it grows 900,000 tonnes of tea.
Que2. Which is the largest tea producer state in India?
Ans. Assam is the largest tea producing state in India, with production of 654.63 million kg of tea.
Que3. Which is Asia’s largest tea garden?
Ans. Monabarie Tea Estate in the Biswanath District of Assam is known as Asia’s Largest Tea garden.
Que4. Who is the largest importer of Indian tea?
Ans. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the largest importer of Indian tea.
Que5. Who introduced tea to India?
Ans. In the 19th century, the British introduced tea to India.
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