India's tea production in April 2026 rose by 5% to reach 104.28 million kg, driven by a significant rebound in Assam's output. Favorable weather conditions in Assam, the country's largest tea-producing state, led to a 36% increase in production, totaling 52.58 million kg compared to 38.63 million kg in April of the previous year.
Regional Production Variations
While Assam experienced a surge, other regions faced declines:
- West Bengal: Production fell by 17% to 27.16 million kg.
- Dooars region: 15.40 million kg (down from 16.80 million kg)
- Terai region: 10.96 million kg (down from 15.53 million kg)
- Darjeeling: Slight increase to 0.80 million kg
- South India: Overall production decreased by 15% to 18.94 million kg.
- Kerala: 4.09 million kg
- Karnataka: 0.36 million kg
Supply Dynamics
The Tea Board of India reported that the cumulative tea output from January to April 2026 reached 201.89 million kg. Despite the gains in Assam, the overall production in South India and parts of West Bengal remained below last year's levels due to less favorable weather conditions.
| Region | April 2026 Output (mkg) | April 2025 Output (mkg) |
|---|---|---|
| Assam | 55.41 | 41.49 |
| West Bengal | 27.16 | 33.00 |
| South India | 18.94 | 22.46 |
Demand and Market Outlook
The demand for Indian tea remains robust, with increasing interest from international markets. However, the decline in production in regions outside Assam could impact supply chains and pricing. The USDA and FAO have noted a steady demand for tea globally, which could support prices despite regional production disparities.
"Assam's remarkable recovery in tea production is a testament to the resilience of our agricultural practices," said a spokesperson from the Tea Board of India.
Future Projections
Looking ahead, the tea market is expected to remain stable, with potential price adjustments based on upcoming production data and weather forecasts. The next significant data release from the Tea Board of India will provide further insights into the production trends for the remainder of 2026.
