Target to raise tea exports by 22% in 3 yrs might be difficult: Here's why

Orthodox tea variety production stagnates; Kenya and Sri Lanka are eating into India's main markets

While the official target is to raise tea exports by 22 per cent in the next three years, to 270 million kg (mkg), producers and exporters face two major challenges.

First, the production of orthodox tea variety, rising in demand, is stagnating. Second, Kenya and Sri Lanka have eaten into the primary markets India is targeting.

Industry sources said the Tea Board of India and exporters have identified seven countries or regions where exports can be raised to meet the target. These are Kazakhstan, Russia, USA, China, Iran, Egypt and Latin America — termed KRUCIEL. These currently account for 53 per cent