Tea production during the months of April and May, 2014 declined by 30.72 million Kilograms (kgs.) compared to the production during the corresponding period of 2013. However, the production during January to March 2014 had gone up by 8.37 million kgs compared to corresponding period of 2013. Most of the tea growing regions have received good rainfall during June thereby increasing the prospect of making good the shortfall during the ensuing peak cropping months.

The total budgetary support for plantations including tea, coffee, rubber and spices was ₹ 471.81 crores in 2013-14 against  Rs. 520.17 crores in 2012-13.

Strengthening of irrigation infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of the tea industry to cope with ill effects of climate change and prolonged dry spells.

Government is committed to providing support to the Tea Board through adequate financial outlays for carrying out its mandated functions.

The information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha today.

Budgetary support for plantations reduced; government reaffirms support to Tea Board and urges irrigation strengthening. Reduction in budgetary support for plantations and sectoral production trends are central to assessing tea sector resilience. Tea production fell in April-May 2014 while rising in January-March 2014; June rainfall may mitigate the shortfall. The budgetary allocation for plantations declined year on year, implicating public financing for the tea sector. Strengthening irrigation infrastructure is identified as a key adaptive measure to address climate variability. The Government affirms continuing financial support to the Tea Board to enable its mandated functions.