India is the second largest tea producer in the world due to a combination of favourable geographical conditions, huge investments, an abundance of processing units, and a large market. Regarding tea exports, India is fifth globally, accounting for about 10% of global tea exports. 96% of the tea exports from India are of the black type. Other varieties of tea exported by India include regular, green, herbal, and masala tea.
Assam and West Bengal account for 83% of India’s tea production, while the country’s southern region contributes to the remaining 17%. Let’s look at the 5 top states in terms of tea production for the year 2025.
1. Assam
Assam, the biggest state in Northeast India, is the largest tea-producing state in the country. A host of factors, such as the fertile soil of the Brahmaputra and Barak river valleys, favorable climate, and abundant rainfall, make Assam a paradise for tea cultivation. Extensive estates in Assam produce world-class tea that is famous all over the world.
The type of tea produced in Assam is black tea, which is obtained from the Camelia Sinensis plant. The characteristic black tea from Assam is popularly known as Assam Tea. More than half of India’s annual tea output comes from Assam.
2. West Bengal
West Bengal is the second highest tea-producing state in India. Tea cultivation in West Bengal commenced in its Douars region about 150 years ago. The first tea gardens came up in WB before Assam. The major tea-producing region in WB is Darjeeling, where cultivation began in the year 1940. Darjeeling, with its high altitude, misty weather, and cool temperatures, is an ideal region for tea cultivation. The world-famous Darjeeling tea is referred to as the Champagne of Tea.
Apart from Darjeeling, other tea-producing regions in WB include Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and North Dinajpur. WB accounts for around 28% of India’s annual tea production.
3. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, a state in the southern part of India, is ranked third in terms of tea production. The Nilgiri Hills region is the hub of tea cultivation in the state. The moderate climate and other geographical features make the Nilgiri Hills a perfect region for tea cultivation. Nilgiri Tea is known for its bright and brisk liquor and is a favorite choice for multiple kinds of blends in the global market.
4. Kerala
Kerala is a state located on the Malabar coast of India. It is fourth in the list of major tea-producing states in India. Although Kerala is not as prominent as Assam and West Bengal in the tea industry, it still contributes significantly to tea production in India. Kerala has the right temperature and rainfall for tea cultivation.
Munnar region is the main place in Kerala for tea cultivation. It is a hill station situated in the Western Ghats. The mist-covered mountains and cool temperatures in this region provide the perfect conditions for tea cultivation. A golden color and mellow taste characterize Kerala tea.
5. Karnataka
Karnataka, a state in south-western India, is fifth in terms of tea production. Factors such as favourable climate and well-drained soil create the ideal conditions for tea cultivation in the state. The main tea-producing regions in Karnataka are Kodagu and Chikmagalur in the Western Ghats.
Karnataka is known for its traditional eco-friendly practices for tea cultivation and for producing specialty teas in various flavors. Most of the tea produced in Karnataka is consumed domestically. However, efforts are being made to export specialty teas all over the world.
