A sharp decline in tea production in Tamil Nadu during January this year and prolonged cold weather have led to a decline in the all-India production of the beverage during the month. All-India tea production stood at 14.50 million kilograms, down nearly 15 per cent from 17.15 million kilograms (MKG) a year ago, according to estimates released by the Tea Board on Monday.
During January, Tamil Nadu’s tea production fell by about 35 per cent due to severe frost conditions in the major Nilgiri growing regions. Similarly, in Munnar, a major producing region of Kerala, production was affected due to prolonged cold.
Tea production in Tamil Nadu during January this year declined to 7.70 million kg from 11.94 million kg in the previous month. In Kerala, tea production declined to 4.37 million kg, down 10 per cent from 4.87 million kg a year ago. Karnataka also saw a decline in production to 0.28 million kg as against 0.37 million kg a year ago.
hibernation in the north
South Indian production during January declined 28 percent to 12.35 million kg from 17.08 million kg a year ago.
North Indian tea growing regions including Assam, West Bengal and other regions, which witness dormancy for tea bushes during the winter months, saw production of 2.15 million kg during January 2026, up from 0.07 million kg a year ago. Production in Assam during January increased to 0.53 million kg from 0.03 million kg a year ago. Production in West Bengal during January stood at 1.47 million kg, up by 0.03 million kg.
Category-wise CTC tea production was 11.34 million kg, while orthodox tea production was 2.79 million kg and green tea production was 0.37 million kg.
Published March 2, 2026
