India’s tea production continued its downward trend as output during March 2026 declined by 1.5 per cent to 66.86 million kilograms (m kgs) compared to 67.85 m kgs in March 2025.
The decline was mainly in North India , where production is yet to recover due to climatic and seasonal issues, whereas South India registered a near 13 per cent increase during the month. Adverse weather conditions have been influencing tea production in the country in recent months.
North India – Overall Decline of 5.8%
| Region | March 2026 (m kgs) | March 2025 (m kgs) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| North India (Total) | 49.05 | 52.08 | -5.8% |
| Assam (Total) | 17.38 | 28.61 | -39% |
| West Bengal (Total) | 29.96 | 21.81 | +37% |
| Other North India | 1.71 | 1.66 | +3% |
Assam – Sharp Decline
The production in North was mainly dragged down by a sharp decline in Assam , where total production fell 39 per cent to 17.38 m kgs (from 28.61 m kgs).
| Assam Region | March 2026 (m kgs) | March 2025 (m kgs) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assam Valley | 16.77 | 27.75 | -39.6% |
| Cachar | 0.61 | 0.86 | -29% |
West Bengal – Strong Recovery
In contrast, production in West Bengal increased 37 per cent during March 2026 to 29.96 m kgs (from 21.81 m kgs). Tea output in Bengal improved in all three main producing regions:
| West Bengal Region | March 2026 (m kgs) | March 2025 (m kgs) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dooars | 16.35 | 11.79 | +38.7% |
| Terai | 13.44 | 9.90 | +35.8% |
| Darjeeling | 0.17 | 0.12 | +41.7% |
South India – 13% Growth
In South India, tea production was up 13 per cent at 17.81 m kgs during March, compared to 15.77 m kgs last year.
| South India Region | March 2026 (m kgs) | March 2025 (m kgs) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| South India (Total) | 17.81 | 15.77 | +13% |
| Tamil Nadu | 12.85 | 11.06 | +16.2% |
| Kerala | 4.59 | 4.32 | +6.3% |
| Karnataka | 0.37 | 0.39 | -5.1% |
The increase in production was witnessed in both key producing states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Small Growers vs. Big Growers
| Producer Category | March 2026 (m kgs) | March 2025 (m kgs) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small growers | 40.79 | 40.60 | +0.5% |
| Big growers | 20.07 | 27.25 | -26.4% |
While overall production declined, small growers maintained their output, while big growers saw a significant reduction. This shift may have implications for the industry’s structure in the coming years.
Tea Type Breakdown – CTC Dominates
| Tea Type | March 2026 Production (m kgs) |
|---|---|
| CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) | 60.33 |
| Orthodox | 5.59 |
| Green tea | 0.94 |
CTC tea continues to dominate Indian production, accounting for over 90 per cent of output. Orthodox tea – used for high-quality whole-leaf exports – remains a smaller segment.
Reasons Behind the Decline
North India – Climatic and Seasonal Issues
The decline in North India – particularly the 39% drop in Assam – is attributed to:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Adverse weather | Unseasonal rains, temperature fluctuations |
| Seasonal issues | Early/late cropping patterns disrupted |
| Pest pressure | Potential insect damage (not specified in report) |
The decline was mainly in North India, where production is yet to recover due to climatic and seasonal issues.
South India – Favorable Conditions
South India’s 13% growth suggests that weather conditions were more favorable in Tamil Nadu and Kerala during the period.
Why This Matters – India’s Tea Industry
India is one of the world’s largest tea producers and consumers.
| India Tea Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Global rank | 2nd largest producer (after China) |
| Key producing states | Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala |
| Major export markets | CIS countries, UK, Iran, UAE, USA |
| Domestic consumption | ~80% of production |
Production declines in Assam – India’s largest tea-producing state – can affect:
- Domestic prices
- Export availability
- Grower incomes
- Employment in tea gardens
Regional Contrast – Assam vs. West Bengal
The March data shows a striking contrast between India’s two largest tea-producing states:
| State | March 2026 Production (m kgs) | Change from March 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Assam | 17.38 | -39% |
| West Bengal | 29.96 | +37% |
For the first time in many months, West Bengal produced more tea than Assam – a reversal of the usual order. Whether this is a one-month anomaly or the beginning of a trend bears watching.
A Mixed Picture for India’s Tea Sector
India’s March tea output presents a mixed picture. North India – particularly Assam – experienced a sharp decline due to adverse weather and seasonal issues. West Bengal, however, posted strong growth of 37%. South India continued its positive momentum with 13% growth.
The overall decline of 1.5% to 66.86 m kgs masks significant regional variation. Assam’s 39% drop is concerning for the industry, as the state typically leads Indian production. But West Bengal’s strong performance and South India’s growth partially offset the losses.
Small growers held steady; big growers saw a 26% decline. CTC tea remains dominant at over 60 m kgs.
As the peak production season approaches (April-June), all eyes will be on Assam to see if production recovers – or if weather continues to hamper output.
For now, the tea industry faces a fragmented recovery: one region up, another down; one state thriving, another struggling. The cup, for March 2026, is only half full.
