Why in the News?
India, the world’s second-largest tea producer after China, has become the largest importer of tea from Kenya, signaling a shift in global tea trade dynamics.
Key Highlights of Tea Trade
- Imports surged from 3.53 million kg in 2023 to 13.71 million kg in 2024, reflecting a significant 288% increase.
- The average price of Kenyan tea imported to India was ₹156.73 per kg, significantly lower than ₹252.83 per kg fetched by Assam tea at auctions up to October 2024.
- India’s tea exports increased by 13%, rising from 184.46 million kg in 2023 to 209.14 million kg in 2024.
- Assam and West Bengal were major contributors to exports, accounting for the bulk of the tea exported.
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About Tea Board of India
- The Tea Board of India was established in 1954 under the Tea Act, 1953, succeeding the Central Tea Board and Indian Tea Licensing Committee.
- It was originally formed under the Indian Tea Cess Bill (1903) to promote Indian tea domestically and internationally.
- It is headquartered in Kolkata, with 23 offices across India, including zonal, regional, and sub-regional offices.
- It functions as a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with 31 members, including representatives from Parliament, tea producers, traders, and trade unions.
- Provides financial and technical assistance for tea cultivation, manufacturing, and marketing, supports R&D to improve tea quality, and monitors pesticide residue compliance.
Tea Crop in India
- Under the Treaty of Yandabo (1826), the East India Company gained control of Assam, laying the foundation for India’s commercial tea industry.
- The British finally introduced tea to India in the 19th century to compete with China’s monopoly, establishing the first commercial tea garden in Chabua, Assam, in 1837.
- Tea requires 20°C–30°C temperatures and 150–300 cm annual rainfall with slightly acidic, well-drained soil for optimal growth.
- India is the second-largest tea producer globally and the largest consumer, accounting for 30% of global tea consumption, with major production in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
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PYQ:
[2022] With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
- The Tea Board is a statutory body.
- It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
- The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4 |
