India’s tea production fell 3.54% year-on-year to 131.60 million kg in May 2026 from 136.43 million kg a year earlier, as lower output in South India due to inadequate pre-monsoon showers weighed on the national total, according to the latest Tea Board data.
Regional Production Breakdown
North India posted a marginal increase to 111.72 million kg from 109.86 million kg in May 2025, while South India’s output plunged 25% to 19.88 million kg from 26.57 million kg.
| Region | May 2026 (m kg) | May 2025 (m kg) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All India | 131.60 | 136.43 | -3.54% |
| North India | 111.72 | 109.86 | +1.69% |
| South India | 19.88 | 26.57 | -25.18% |
| Assam | 64.70 | 65.04 | -0.52% |
| Assam Valley | 61.83 | 62.38 | -0.88% |
| Cachar | 2.87 | 2.66 | +7.89% |
| West Bengal | 42.69 | 40.68 | +4.94% |
| Tamil Nadu | 13.63 | 19.04 | -28.42% |
| Kerala | 5.86 | 7.03 | -16.64% |
| Karnataka | 0.39 | 0.50 | -22.00% |
In Assam, the largest producing state, tea output during May was down marginally at 64.70 million kg from 65.04 million kg a year earlier. Production in Assam Valley eased to 61.83 million kg (62.38 million kg), while Cachar saw a marginal increase to 2.87 million kg (2.66 million kg).
West Bengal’s tea production rose about 5% to 42.69 million kg from 40.68 million kg, with gains in the Dooars and Terai regions, while Darjeeling saw a marginal decline. Other producing regions of North India collectively increased to 4.33 million kg from 4.14 million kg.
South India Hit by Dry Weather
In Tamil Nadu, the largest producing region of South India, production dropped 28% to 13.63 million kg in May 2026 from 19.04 million kg in May 2025.
“May was bone dry. Lack of rains in May impacted the production,” said N Lakshmanan Chettiar, a veteran planter in Coonoor.
Kerala’s output declined 16% to 5.86 million kg from 7.03 million kg, and Karnataka fell to 0.39 million kg from 0.50 million kg, both on deficit rains.
Category-Wise Output
Categorywise, CTC teas accounted for 116.12 million kg, Orthodox teas 13.35 million kg, and green teas the remainder, according to the Tea Board data.
Market Implications
The sharp drop in South Indian output, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is likely to tighten domestic supply for the southern regions, though North India’s marginal gain may partially offset the shortfall. The deficit rainfall during the pre-monsoon period raises concerns for the upcoming months if the pattern persists. Traders and procurement teams will monitor June releases and weather forecasts for the main monsoon. The Tea Board’s next monthly data will provide further clarity on the trajectory of production in the key summer months.
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