Context
• Escalating conflict in West Asia has disrupted key maritime routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
• Nearly 45–50% of India’s tea exports to the region are affected.
• Rising freight charges, higher insurance premiums, and shipment delays are increasing export costs.
• Key markets impacted: Iraq | UAE | Iran | Saudi Arabia
Agro-Climatic Conditions Required for Tea Cultivation
• Temperature: 20°C–30°C (frost-free climate)
• Rainfall: 150–300 cm annually, well distributed
• Altitude: 600–2,000 m (quality improves at higher altitudes)
• Soil: Well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5)
• High humidity with morning mist
• Labour intensive crop requiring skilled plucking
Top 3 Tea Producing Countries
China | India | Kenya
Top 3 Tea Exporting Countries
Kenya | China | India
Top 3 Tea Producing States (India)
Assam | West Bengal | Tamil Nadu
Tea Board of India
• Established under the Tea Act, 1953
• Under Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Headquarters: Kolkata
• Functions: Regulation, export promotion, quality control, research support, GI branding (Darjeeling, Assam)
