What are the tea-producing states of India?

India ranks as the second-largest tea producer in the world after China. Every year, the country makes over 1.3 billion kilograms of tea. This drink touches millions of lives—from the pluckers in the gardens to the chai stalls on every street.

1)  Assam- The Power House of Indian Tea

Location: North-east India, Brahmaputra Valley.

Climate: Hot and humid summers (25–35 °C), heavy monsoon (200–300 cm rain), cool winters (10–20 °C).

Tea Types:

• CTC (strong, milky chai).
• Orthodox (full-leaf black tea).
• Green tea (growing fast).

Key Facts:

• Makes 55 % of India’s total tea.
• Over 800 big estates.
• Second flush (May-June) gives golden-tippy tea.

2) West Bengal – Home of Darjeeling

Location: Darjeeling hills + Dooars-Terai plains.

Climate:

Darjeeling: Cool (8–20 °C), misty, 200 cm rain, high altitude.

Dooars-Terai: Hot (25–33 °C), heavy rain.

Tea Types:

• Darjeeling (light, floral, musky – First Flush, Second Flush).
• CTC (strong black for blending).

Key Facts:

• 87 Darjeeling gardens; high price per kg.
• First flush (March-April) is the costliest.

3) Tamil Nadu – The Nilgiri Wonder

Location: Nilgiri Hills, Western Ghats.

Climate: Cool (10–25 °C), even rainfall (150 cm), high elevation.

Tea Types:

• CTC (brisk, bright).
• Orthodox (fragrant, golden).
• Green & specialty (white, oolong).

Key Facts:

• Year-round harvest.
• Second biggest producer after Assam.

4) Kerala – Green & Organic Hub

Location: Wayanad, Idukki, Peermade.

Climate: Mild (15–30 °C), two monsoons, high humidity.

Tea Types:

• Orthodox black.
• Green tea.
• White tea (rare, high value).

Key Facts:

• Many organic and rain-forest certified gardens.

• Smaller but fast-growing area.

5. Emerging States

Climate Needs for Tea

Tea bushes love:

Temperature: 15–30 °C (too hot or too cold slows growth).

Rainfall: 150–300 cm, well spread.

Soil: Acidic (pH 4.5–5.5), rich, well-drained.

Altitude:

Low (0–500 m) → strong CTC (Assam).

High (1,000–2,000 m) → fine flavour (Darjeeling, Nilgiri).

Importance of Tea in Indian Economy

Jobs:

Over 3.5 million people work directly (pluckers, factory staff).

Millions more in transport, packing, shops.

Export Earnings:

India exports to 100+ countries.

Earns ₹ 6,000–7,000 crore every year.

Top Buyers: Russia, UK, USA, Iran, UAE.

Local Market:

Indians drink 70 % of the tea produced.

Chai stalls = daily income for lakhs of families.

Government Revenue: Taxes, cess, and GI tags (like Darjeeling) add money.

Fun Fact

One tea worker plucks 30–40 kg of green leaf daily—enough to make 10 kg of ready tea after processing.

From the hot plains of Assam to the cool clouds of Darjeeling, tea is more than a drink—it is jobs, culture, and pride for India. Next cup you sip, remember the green hills behind it!