Tea Sector in India
Why it Matters?
The Executive Director of the International Tea Committee, James Suranga Perera, recently stated that India has all the necessary ingredients to become a superpower in the tea industry.
What you should know?
India is the world's second-largest producer and consumer of tea, and the third-largest exporter.
While India exported 255 million kg of tea, its value realization was almost $800 million.
In comparison, Sri Lanka earned $1.4 billion by exporting a slightly lower quantity of 245 million kg. This highlights the need for India to focus on quality for better price realization.
Geographic and Climatic Conditions for Tea Crop
Geographic Conditions
Tea thrives at varying altitudes, but the ideal range is between 600 meters to 2,100 meters above sea level.
A hilly terrain with well-drained slopes is ideal for tea cultivation.
Tea plants prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils. The soil pH should ideally be between 4.5 and 5.5.
Climatic Conditions
Tea requires a warm and humid climate. The ideal temperature range for tea cultivation is between 20°C and 30°C.
Tea requires abundant rainfall between range of 180-250cms.
Tea is highly sensitive to frost.