India’s tea sector, a major contributor to rural employment and the country’s export basket, experienced a notable decline in May output as insufficient rainfall in southern regions affected plantations. The latest Tea Board figures reveal that weather patterns are again exerting a strong influence on the fortunes of one of India’s most iconic agricultural industries.Weather patterns disrupt southern estatesTamil Nadu and Kerala, bore the brunt of a sharp rainfall deficit in May, resulting in a significant drop in tea production. Tamil Nadu, the dominant tea-producing state in South India, saw its output fall by 28 per cent to 13.63 million kilograms compared to 19.04 million kilograms in the same period last year, according to official data. Kerala’s production also suffered, declining 16 per cent to 5.86 million kilograms. Karnataka, though a smaller player, registered a marginal reduction, with output slipping to 0.39 million kilograms.N Lakshmanan Chettiar, quoted by The Hindu BusinessLine, described the situation as extremely dry, noting that the absence of May rains significantly affected the volume of tea harvested. The lack of pre-monsoon precipitation not only reduced yields but also heightened concerns among growers about crop quality and potential longer-term impacts on the region’s tea economy.North India shows relative stabilityIndia’s overall tea output sees year-on-year declineCategory-wise production insightsSector outlook: Adapting to climate challengestea industry’s experience in May 2026 underscores the growing imperative for climate-resilient agricultural practices. Experts argue that investment in irrigation infrastructure, improved weather forecasting, and drought-resistant tea varieties could help mitigate future risks. With the Tea Board and industry stakeholders regularly monitoring production trends, there is a renewed focus on supporting southern growers and ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
- Markets & Trade
- 3 min Read
Tea production in India faces setback in May as southern rain shortfall bites
India's May tea production declined due to a shortfall in southern rains, with Tamil Nadu and Kerala recording steep drops even as North India saw slight gains. Sector leaders highlight the urgency for climate adaptation in tea cultivation.