The production of tea in South Indian States (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka) declined from  224.87 Million Kgs. (in 2018) to 219.04 Million Kgs. (in 2019), thereby exhibiting a decline of 2.59% . The tea production in Nilgris exhibited a reduction of 1.99% during 2019 as compared to 2018. The decline in tea production is attributable, inter-alia, to un-even distribution of rain and localized pest infestation.

This information was given by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Decline in tea production attributed to uneven rainfall and localized pest infestation, reducing output across southern tea-growing states. Tea production in South Indian States-Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka-declined between the two reported years, with Nilgiris also showing a reduction; the decrease is attributed to uneven distribution of rainfall and localized pest infestation, and the information is presented via an official parliamentary disclosure.