Context:
Small tea farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district have been hit by a drop in tea leaf prices over the last few months.
About Tea:
- Tea is a tropical and sub-tropical plant.
- World’s most consumed drink after water.
- Origin – Evidence of consumption of tea in China 5,000 years ago.
- Growth Conditions –
- Climate: Hot and humid climate
- Temperature: 20°-30°C [temperatures above 35°C and below 10°C are harmful for the bush]
- Rainfall: 150-300 cm annual rainfall
- Soil: Slightly acidic soil (without calcium) with porous sub-soil which permits a free percolation of water.
International Tea Day is observed on 21st May every year after it was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2019.
Status of Indian Tea Industry:
- India is the 2nd largest tea producer and largest black tea producer.
- Largest consumer of black tea and consumes around 18% of the total World tea consumption.
- India is the 4th largest tea exporter after China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.
- Major Tea producing states – Assam > West Bengal > Tamil Nadu > Kerala > Karnataka
- Northern part of India is the biggest producer.
- Major importers – Russia, Iran, UAE, USA, the UK, Germany, and China
Darjeeling Tea also known as “Champagne of teas” worldwide because of its flowery scent was the 1st GI tag product.
Tea Board of India:
- Statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce
- Mission – To make the country a leading producer of tea across the globe for which it established several programmes and schemes.
- Members – 31 members including Chairman [reconstituted every 3 years]
- Headquarters – Kolkata
- 2 overseas offices – Dubai and Moscow
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Questions
Q1. With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Answer: (d)
Q2. Consider the following States:
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Kerala
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Only one State
(b) Only two States
(c) Only three States
(d) All four States
Answer: (c)
