The production of tea in the country stood at 184.60 million kgs in September, an increase of 29.14 million kgs (18.74%) over the corresponding period, due to favourable ambient temperature as well as sufficient and good distribution of rainfall. India is the world’s second biggest tea producer and exports CTC (crush-tear-curl) grade mainly to Egypt, Pakistan and the UK, and the orthodox variety to Iraq, Iran and Russia.
The production of tea in North India gained 20.06% to 164.44 million kg in September 2016 as compared to 136.96 million kg production in September last year. The production in West Bengal rose 36.74% to 53.67 million kg as compared to 39.25 million kg last year in September, while output in Assam jumped by 12.99% to 106.63 million kg in September 2016.
Tea production in South India inched up by 8.97% to 20.16 million kg as compared to 18.50 million kg in September last year. The production in states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka stood at 13.96 million kg, 5.85 million kg and 0.35 million kg, respectively.