India’s tea exports have witnessed impressive growth, reaching $900 million in the 2024-25 financial year, up from $852 million in the previous year.
M Muthukumar, Executive Director of the Tea Board of India-Coonoor, credited the surge to the high quality of tea, particularly from South India.
The region’s minimal use of chemical fertilizers has enhanced the value of its tea, making it highly sought after in international markets.
Successful ‘Tea Crafting 2k25’ Event
The increase in tea exports was celebrated during the ‘Tea Crafting 2k25’ event organized by the Tea Board of India-Coonoor and Sri Ramakrishna Arts and Science College in Coimbatore.
Students from eight colleges participated, crafting 300 unique varieties of tea in just 30 minutes.
This remarkable achievement earned them a place in Kalam’s World Record Book.
Muthukumar praised the event, highlighting the collaborative spirit and talent displayed by the students.
Tea Export Details
India exported nearly 250 million kilograms of tea in 2024-25, primarily to countries in Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.
South India contributed significantly, with 100 million kilograms of tea exported from the region.
The increased export value reflects the growing reputation of Indian tea in global markets, particularly from the South, where farmers prioritize quality over quantity.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for Tea Farmers
Muthukumar also addressed the challenges faced by small tea farmers, noting that while large estates have access to established markets, small growers often struggle.
The government is promoting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to help these farmers by providing better market access, improving tea quality, and creating export opportunities.
In 2024-25, the government set up 177 FPOs in Ooty and Valparai and trained farmers to produce export-quality tea.
Mechanization To Overcome Labor Shortage
In addition to market access, Muthukumar highlighted labor shortages as a significant challenge for tea growers.
To address this, the Tea Board has introduced mechanization in tea farming.
With the support of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which allocated ₹30 crore for this initiative, small farmers are receiving training on how to use machinery to improve productivity and manage labor shortages.
The rise in tea exports and the success of initiatives like the FPOs and mechanization signal a bright future for the Indian tea industry.
As the global demand for high-quality tea increases, India, particularly South India, is well-positioned to continue its dominance in the international market.
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