Dynamics of production and export in transformation of tea plantation sector in India

Abstract

The study was based on secondary published data with effect from 1971 to 2011 with an objective to examine the trends of production and export of tea and growth in India. It was observed that tea sector plays an important role contributing more than 200 crores to the GNP of the country. The major three producing regions are Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri. In the recent years, the sector has witnessed a stiff competition in the international export market affecting domestic production. It was observed that China produces 39.00% of world tea followed by India sharing 24.55% with an annual change of 2.87% during 1971–81 to 3.06% during 2001–11. Production of tea in the country was mainly due to increase of area and productivity. Replanted and replacement area could not influence the production of tea significantly. Number of tea estates was found to increase in between 1991–01 at the rate of 74.09% due to inclusion of small tea gardens and it declined from 5.29% to 3.64% during 1961 to 2011. Productivity change was higher in Assam, Tripura, Tamil Nadu and Kerala with high production change during the decades. The area growth during the decades was low. Production share of tea grades like CTC, Darjeeling and Green tea declined over years while share of Orthodox tea increased over years. The country witnessed high annual change of area of tea bushes under the age group of 5 to 10 years followed by below 5 years due to more area put under the small tea estates in the recent years. The export of tea bags as value added tea grew faster from 1971–72 to 2011–12 in terms of quantity and value followed by packet tea. Auction sale in the country declined. Employment generated per estate varied from 191 in Karnataka to 1011 in West Bengal in 2011. The emerging small tea sector has contributed from 5% in early 90’s to 31% during current year and is expected to touch 50% within next few years. It can be concluded that area could influence the production and it needs to be increased under replanting and replacement planting. Steps should also be taken to increase the export of value added tea in the country. The small tea sector should be organised and regulated to make it more productive.