Tea plays a significant role in the culture and economy of India, encompassing everything from morning chai to evening snacks.
India ranks among the leading countries in global tea production, with an anticipated output of approximately 13.90 lakh tonnes by 2025.
This represents a modest increase from the 2024 production figures, which were around 13.82 lakh tonnes.
However, tea cultivation is not uniform across the country; some states are renowned for their tea production, while others contribute little to none.
Let us examine the state-wise tea production in India for 2025, investigate the reasons behind the success of certain states, and understand the implications for India’s tea narrative.
State wise Tea Production in India
| Rank | State/Union Territory | Tea Production (Lakh Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assam | 6.65 |
| 2 | West Bengal | 4.15 |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu | 1.70 |
| 4 | Kerala | 0.62 |
| 5 | Karnataka | 0.05 |
| 6 | Tripura | 0.09 |
| 7 | Arunachal Pradesh | 0.02 |
| 8 | Himachal Pradesh | 0.01 |
| 9 | Sikkim | 0.01 |
| 10 | Nagaland | 0.01 |
| 11 | Manipur | 0.005 |
| 12 | Meghalaya | 0.005 |
| 13 | Mizoram | 0.005 |
| 14 | Andhra Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 15 | Bihar | 0.00 |
| 16 | Chhattisgarh | 0.00 |
| 17 | Gujarat | 0.00 |
| 18 | Haryana | 0.00 |
| 19 | Jharkhand | 0.00 |
| 20 | Madhya Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 21 | Maharashtra | 0.00 |
| 22 | Odisha | 0.00 |
| 23 | Punjab | 0.00 |
| 24 | Rajasthan | 0.00 |
| 25 | Telangana | 0.00 |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 27 | Uttarakhand | 0.00 |
| 28 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 0.00 |
| 29 | Chandigarh | 0.00 |
| 30 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD) | 0.00 |
| 31 | Delhi | 0.00 |
| 32 | Goa | 0.00 |
| 33 | Jammu and Kashmir | 0.00 |
| 34 | Ladakh | 0.00 |
| 35 | Lakshadweep | 0.00 |
| 36 | Puducherry | 0.00 |
Percentage share of every Indian state in Tea Production
| Rank | State/Union Territory | Percentage Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assam | 49.98 |
| 2 | West Bengal | 31.19 |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu | 12.78 |
| 4 | Kerala | 4.66 |
| 5 | Karnataka | 0.38 |
| 6 | Tripura | 0.68 |
| 7 | Arunachal Pradesh | 0.15 |
| 8 | Himachal Pradesh | 0.08 |
| 9 | Sikkim | 0.08 |
| 10 | Nagaland | 0.08 |
| 11 | Manipur | 0.04 |
| 12 | Meghalaya | 0.04 |
| 13 | Mizoram | 0.04 |
| 14 | Andhra Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 15 | Bihar | 0.00 |
| 16 | Chhattisgarh | 0.00 |
| 17 | Gujarat | 0.00 |
| 18 | Haryana | 0.00 |
| 19 | Jharkhand | 0.00 |
| 20 | Madhya Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 21 | Maharashtra | 0.00 |
| 22 | Odisha | 0.00 |
| 23 | Punjab | 0.00 |
| 24 | Rajasthan | 0.00 |
| 25 | Telangana | 0.00 |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 27 | Uttarakhand | 0.00 |
| 28 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 0.00 |
| 29 | Chandigarh | 0.00 |
| 30 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | 0.00 |
| 31 | Delhi | 0.00 |
| 32 | Goa | 0.00 |
| 33 | Jammu and Kashmir | 0.00 |
| 34 | Ladakh | 0.00 |
| 35 | Lakshadweep | 0.00 |
| 36 | Puducherry | 0.00 |
The Prominent Figures in Tea
Assam stands out as the leading tea producer in India, generating 6.65 lakh tonnes in 2025, which accounts for approximately 48% of the nation’s total output.
What accounts for this? The warm, humid climate and fertile Brahmaputra Valley in Assam provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation. The renowned Assam tea, celebrated for its robust flavor, enjoys global popularity.
The history of tea in India began in this region during the 1800s when the British initiated commercial plantations. Although tea was not invented here, Robert Bruce’s discovery of wild tea plants in Assam during the 1820s marked the beginning of India’s tea industry.
West Bengal ranks second, producing 4.15 lakh tonnes, which constitutes nearly 30% of the overall production. The Darjeeling region in West Bengal is famous for its Darjeeling tea, often referred to as the “champagne of teas.”
The state’s mountainous landscape and cooler climate are conducive to the cultivation of high-quality tea. Tamil Nadu follows in third place with 1.70 lakh tonnes (12%), attributed to its Nilgiri hills, where tea estates flourish in the misty, cool environment.
Collectively, Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu account for approximately 90% of India’s tea production!
The Supporting Contributors
Kerala, producing 0.62 lakh tonnes (4.5%), plays a smaller yet significant role in the tea industry. The tea from Kerala is sourced from regions like Munnar, where high-altitude estates yield flavorful varieties.
Karnataka contributes a modest 0.05 lakh tonnes (0.36%), primarily from the Western Ghats. The northeastern state of Tripura adds 0.09 lakh tonnes (0.65%), illustrating the expansion of tea cultivation beyond traditional regions.
Other northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh (0.02 lakh tonnes), Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Nagaland (0.01 lakh tonnes each), produce limited quantities. Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram each contribute a mere 0.005 lakh tonnes (0.04%).
While these states possess potential for growth, their hilly terrain and inadequate infrastructure currently hinder higher production levels.
The Zero Club
In 2025, twenty-three regions, including major states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, along with all eight Union Territories (including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Lakshadweep), do not produce any tea.
The reason for this is that tea requires specific conditions—cool temperatures, abundant rainfall, and acidic soil. States like Rajasthan and Punjab, characterized by their arid or flat terrains, are simply not conducive to tea cultivation.
Similarly, Union Territories like Lakshadweep and Puducherry do not possess the necessary land or climate for tea estates. Consequently, the distribution of tea production in India is highly uneven across different states.
What’s Driving the Numbers?
India’s tea production is experiencing a gradual yet consistent increase in 2025, rising from 13.82 lakh tonnes in 2024. Government initiatives, such as subsidies provided by the Tea Board of India, assist farmers in enhancing their yields.
However, several challenges persist. In Assam and West Bengal, aging tea bushes (some exceeding 100 years) hinder productivity. Additionally, climate change, characterized by erratic rainfall patterns, poses significant challenges.
Smaller states like Manipur and Mizoram have the potential to increase their tea production, but they require improved infrastructure and market access to remain competitive.
Tea plays a crucial role in India’s economy. The nation exports approximately 2.5 lakh tonnes of tea annually, competing with countries like China and Sri Lanka in global tea production.
Furthermore, tea cultivation provides employment to millions, particularly in Assam and West Bengal, serving as a vital source of livelihood for rural communities.
The Importance of Understanding Tea Production
Grasping the nuances of tea production across various states in India reveals which regions are excelling and which are falling behind.
Assam and West Bengal dominate the industry, yet states such as Tripura and Sikkim have the potential to enhance their contributions with increased investment.
Tea transcends being merely a beverage; it embodies a significant aspect of India’s cultural identity, evident from roadside vendors to high-end exports.
For students preparing for the UPSC examination with a focus on tea production in India, this information is crucial: tea serves as a mirror to India’s agricultural variety and the economic hurdles it faces.
In comparison to the tea production figures for India in 2024, the statistics for 2025 indicate a modest rise.
However, for India to maintain its status as a global leader, it is imperative to modernize tea plantations and address climate-related challenges.
Interested in learning more? Explore the Wikipedia page on tea production in India or refer to reports from the Tea Board for a more comprehensive understanding of this intriguing crop.
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