India’s tea production witnessed a sharp 9% decline in June 2025, falling to 133.5 million kilograms from 146.72 million kilograms during the same month last year, according to data released by the Tea Board.
The Indian Tea Association attributed the drop to erratic weather conditions and widespread pest infestations that impacted plantations across both North and South India. The setback affected all major tea varieties, including CTC, orthodox, and green tea.
Production in North India — primarily Assam and West Bengal — stood at 112.51 million kg, down from 121.52 million kg in June 2024. Southern regions produced 20.99 million kg, a drop from 25.20 million kg a year earlier.
Big and organised tea estates were particularly hit, producing only 55.21 million kg, compared to 68.38 million kg last June. Small growers, too, saw reduced output at 68.28 million kg, down from 78.34 million kg.
In terms of variety-wise output, CTC tea led the chart with 117.84 million kg, followed by orthodox at 13.82 million kg and green tea at 1.84 million kg.
Industry stakeholders are bracing for further disruptions if erratic weather patterns persist, potentially affecting prices and export commitments in the coming months.