May 21, 2026

India’s Tea Triumph: A Legacy Brewed Through Centuries

Empowering Tea Growers, Expanding Global Reach and Preserving India’s Heritage

A cup of tea is rarely just a beverage in India. It is the beginning of conversations, the comfort during long journeys, the pause amid busy schedules and the warmth that brings people together across homes, workplaces and communities. From roadside tea stalls to family gatherings, tea has become deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric of our nation.

On the occasion of the International Tea Day, we celebrate not merely a beverage, but a timeless legacy that has connected generations, strengthened livelihoods and carried India’s rich traditions to every corner of the world.

Expanding global footprint

Today, India’s tea industry is poised for rapid growth under the visionary leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, whose policies reflect his determination to strengthen agriculture, empower farmers and create new global opportunities for them. India has signed a series of Free Trade Agreements, which will give preferential access to Indian tea in developed markets such as Europe, the UK, New Zealand.

This will significantly boost Indian tea exports, which have already grown from ₹4,509 crore in 2013-14 to ₹8,719 crore in 2025-26, an increase of nearly 93 percent, reflecting growing global confidence in Indian tea.

Today, Indian tea is savoured by consumers across major global markets including the United Arab Emirates, Russia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Saudi Arabia and many more. Together, these countries account for more than two-thirds of India’s total tea export volume.

This growing global footprint is not only a commercial achievement; it is also a symbol of India’s soft power and cultural identity. Every package of Indian tea exported abroad carries with it the story of our farmers, our traditions and our commitment to quality.

The remarkable progress of India’s tea sector in recent years reflects this larger national vision of inclusive growth, welfare-driven governance and global competitiveness.

A Civilization Steeped in Tea Traditions

India’s relationship with tea stretches far beyond modern commerce. The beverage has been consumed in India, particularly Assam, for centuries before organized plantation began. Tribal communities in Assam are believed to have consumed wild tea leaves for medicinal and daily purposes as early as the 12th century.

The delicate muscatel flavour of Darjeeling tea from the Himalayan foothills, the strong and malty Assam tea from the Brahmaputra plains, the fragrant Nilgiri tea from the southern hills, the distinctive Munnar tea of Keralam and the refreshing Kangra tea of Himachal Pradesh together reflect the richness and diversity of India itself.

Indian tea has long enjoyed a special place in international markets, but recent years have marked a particularly remarkable phase of growth.

Empowering Tea Growers and Workers

Behind every successful export figure lies the hard work of lakhs of tea growers and workers whose dedication sustains this historic industry. Ensuring their welfare and empowerment remains a priority for the Government of India.

Guided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” the Government has undertaken focused interventions to improve the lives of tea workers and small growers across the country.

Recognizing the challenges faced by tea workers and small growers, the Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSYP), allocating ₹999 crore for the period 2024-26. The scheme focuses on improving education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure and skill development across tea estates, particularly in Assam and West Bengal. These initiatives are designed not merely as welfare measures, but as investments in human dignity and long-term sustainability for the tea sector.

Unfortunately, for several years, tea workers and growers in West Bengal were deprived of the full benefits of central welfare initiatives due to administrative and political obstruction by the earlier state government. This resulted in delays and the denial of benefits worth more than ₹300 crore intended for the welfare of tea communities.

The consequences of such delays were deeply felt by workers and their families, many of whom depend entirely on the tea economy for their livelihoods.

A New Beginning for West Bengal’s Tea Sector

It is heartening to witness a positive shift in governance and intent under the new administration led by Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal Shri Suvendu Adhikari ji.

In its very first administrative meeting, the new government of West Bengal took decisive steps to facilitate the implementation of a central welfare scheme for tea growers and workers. This marks a significant and long-awaited correction that places the welfare of tea communities at the centre of governance.

For years, tea workers in West Bengal faced uncertainty as vital welfare measures remained stalled. The new administration has demonstrated that effective governance can restore both opportunity and confidence to an industry that supports lakhs of families.

The implementation of these welfare initiatives will strengthen social security, improve living conditions and create new avenues of growth for tea-growing regions. More importantly, it sends a clear message that the welfare of workers and farmers cannot be held hostage to political considerations.

This renewed cooperation between the Centre and the State government reflects the spirit of cooperative federalism and development-oriented governance envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for a stronger and more inclusive India.

Celebrating India’s Tea Legacy

India’s tea story is ultimately a story of resilience, enterprise and national pride. From ancient trade routes to modern export markets, from tea gardens nestled in the Himalayas to bustling ports shipping Indian tea worldwide, this journey reflects the strength of our people and the richness of our heritage.

On this International Tea Day, we salute every tea grower, plantation worker, entrepreneur and exporter who contributes to keeping this legacy alive. Their dedication ensures that Indian tea continues to inspire trust and admiration across the globe.

As we enjoy every cup of tea, let us remember that it represents far more than refreshment. It represents livelihoods, culture, tradition and the aspirations of lakhs of tea growers and workers.

Tea is not merely India’s beverage of choice, it is India’s story, brewed through centuries and shared with the world.