Indian has reported a total tea production of 1,233.14 million kgs during the financial year 2015-16, which is the highest ever recorded by the country so far. As compared to 2014-15, the total tea production registered an increase of 35.96 million kgs which is 3% more than last year.
The country’s export stood at 232.92 million kgs valued at Rs 4,493.10 crore, breaching the 230 million kgs mark after 35 years. As compared to the financial year 2014-15, the quantity of tea exports increased by 33.84 million kgs (17%), while in value terms, the increase is by Rs 669.46 crore (17.51%). Increase of tea exports were registered mainly to Russia, Iran, Germany, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE and Poland. During 1980-81, India had exported 231.74 million kgs. Prior to that, during 1976-77 and 1956-57, India exported 242.42 and 233.09 million kgs respectively.
The increase in production of tea was mainly attributable to North India where increase in production is by 52.74 million kgs (5.52%). However, South India’s production declined by 16.78 million kgs (-6.95%) due to adverse climatic conditions and labour issues in Kerala.