India’s Tea Production Rises in 2025, Darjeeling Faces Challenges

Fast Summary

• National Tea Production Increase: India’s tea production from January to May 2025 increased by 25.76%, totaling 336.22 million kilograms compared to 267.36 million kilograms in the same period in 2024.
• regional Growth: West Bengal recorded a noteworthy rise of 44%,and Assam reported a production growth of 14% during this period.
• Decline in darjeeling Tea Output: Darjeeling tea production decreased by 18.24% compared to January-May levels in 2023, wiht only 1.34 Mkg produced.
• Factors for Shortfall:

– Unfavourable weather conditions, including a rise of approximately +2°C average day temperatures and reduced rainfall, impacting key regions such as Assam and West Bengal.
– Pest attacks further exacerbated production declines.
– “Big Growers” (Registered Estates) saw declines between ~8-13% across Assam and West bengal compared to pre-pandemic averages (2023).

• Price Declines:

– Auction prices for CTC Leaf and Dust fell by nearly ~7% (Assam) & ~9.5.%+ sector e.g., low Overall Rev.] due Global Fed Drop ?”
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