• India has taken several steps to boost tea output, create a niche brand for the Indian tea and ensure the welfare of families associated with this industry, the commerce ministry said recently.
• Facing various geo-political, geo-economic and logistical challenges, Indian tea exports are expected to achieve more than 95% of set targets of $883 million.

Tea Industry- details

• India is 2nd largest tea producer after China and 4th largest exporter of tea in world.
• Also, India is largest black tea producer and consumer.
• Tea Cultivation and Exports are regulated by Tea Board of India.
• It employs 1.16 million workers directly with 52% of total produce from small tea growers.
• Major Tea Varieties grown in India: Darjeeling Tea, Assam Tea, Nilgiri tea, Kangra tea etc.
• Darjeeling tea was 1^st Indian product to get Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Ideal Conditions for Tea plantation
  • Temperature: Vary from 16 to 32 degree C.
  • Annual rainfall: 125 to 150 cm, which is well distributed over 8-9 months in year.
  • Atmospheric humidity: 80%.
  • Locations: North Eastern States, hill ranges from 600 to 2200 m above mean ssea level.

About Tea Board of India

• Constituted under Tea Act 1953 under Ministry of Commerce.
• Aim- To make India, the leading producer and supplier of quality tea in the global market.
• Members– 31 members (including Chairman) drawn from Members of Parliament, tea producers, tea traders, tea brokers, consumers, and representatives of Governments from the principal tea producing states, and trade unions.
• Headquarters- Kolkata
• Board is reconstituted every three years.