Synopsis
India's tea exports have reached a record 255 million kg in 2024, marking a 10-year high. Despite global uncertainties, the exports grew by 10% from 2023, with significant shipments to Iraq and a rise in average export prices, benefiting the tea industry.Key Takeaways
- Tea exports hit a 10-year high of 255 million kg.
- 10% increase in exports from 2023 figures.
- Average export prices rose by 10%.
- Significant shipments to Iraq, accounting for 20% of exports.
- India ranks among the top five global tea exporters.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) India's tea exports have reached a remarkable 10-year peak of 255 million kg in 2024, despite the global market uncertainties caused by geopolitical tensions, according to data from the Tea Board of India.
The nation's exports surged by an impressive 10 percent compared to 231.69 million kgs in 2023, as indicated by the statistics.
The average export price of Indian tea also experienced a 10 percent increase, providing much-needed relief to the tea sector, which faced challenges due to poor weather conditions in 2023.
There was a significant rise in shipments to Iraq, which now represents 20 percent of tea exports. Traders are optimistic about exporting 40-50 million kg to this West Asian nation in the current fiscal year.
Indian exporters capitalized on opportunities in various West Asian markets when Sri Lanka's crop was low and successfully maintained their shipment volumes there.
India exports tea to over 25 countries, with the UAE, Iraq, Iran, Russia, the US, and the UK being the primary markets.
Ranked among the top five tea exporters globally, India contributes roughly 10 percent of total worldwide exports. The country's Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas are renowned for their quality. The majority of tea exported from India is black tea, constituting about 96 percent of total exports. Other varieties include regular tea, green tea, herbal tea, masala tea, and lemon tea.
India has implemented various measures to enhance tea production, establish a unique brand for Indian tea, and ensure the welfare of families involved in the tea industry.
The Assam Valley and Cachar are the two main tea-producing regions in Assam. In West Bengal, the major tea-producing areas are Dooars, Terai, and Darjeeling. The southern part of India produces around 17 percent of the nation's total output, with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka being the key producing states.
Emerging small tea growers contribute nearly 52 percent of the total production. Currently, there are approximately 2.30 lakh small tea growers in the supply chain. The Government of India has initiated several programs through the Tea Board to support this segment, including the establishment of 352 Self Help Groups (SHGs), 440 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and 17 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
Interactions with small tea growers focus on quality plucking, capacity building, and managing rush crops. Additionally, support has been provided for the purchase of pruning machines and mechanical harvesters.
Mini tea factories have also been established to encourage entrepreneurship and support unemployed youth.
The Indian tea industry directly employs 1.16 million workers, with an equal number of individuals indirectly associated with it.
