Nilgiri Tea

Source: TH

Context: Nilgiris tea growers are facing a persistent cost price crisis due to low prices for green tea leaves (GTL), overproduction, and weak auction mechanisms, threatening the sustainability of small growers in the region.

About Nilgiri Tea:

• What it is?

• Nilgiri tea is a variety of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, grown in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Known for its brisk, fragrant, and full-bodied liquor, it is often blended into iced teas, masala chai, and global tea brands.

• Nilgiri tea is a variety of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, grown in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.

• Known for its brisk, fragrant, and full-bodied liquor, it is often blended into iced teas, masala chai, and global tea brands.

• Region:

• Cultivated mainly in the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, with smaller areas in Kerala and Karnataka. Recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product since 2008.

• Cultivated mainly in the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, with smaller areas in Kerala and Karnataka.

• Recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product since 2008.

• Features:

• Produces both orthodox rolled teas and CTC (crush-tear-curl) teas. Flavour profile: citrus and floral notes, light yet full-bodied, retains clarity when cooled (ideal for iced tea). Used in blends by global commercial brands like Nestea.

• Produces both orthodox rolled teas and CTC (crush-tear-curl) teas.

• Flavour profile: citrus and floral notes, light yet full-bodied, retains clarity when cooled (ideal for iced tea).

• Used in blends by global commercial brands like Nestea.

• Geographic Conditions Needed:

• Altitude: 1,000–2,500 metres in the Western Ghats. Climate: Two monsoons (Southwest & Northeast), alternating fog, rain, and sunshine. Soil: Lateritic loam, rich and well-drained, supporting high-quality growth. Cultivation cycle: Frequent plucking (≈32 times annually), with the first harvest (“frost tea”) after a short dormancy in winter, noted for unique flavour.

• Altitude: 1,000–2,500 metres in the Western Ghats.

• Climate: Two monsoons (Southwest & Northeast), alternating fog, rain, and sunshine.

• Soil: Lateritic loam, rich and well-drained, supporting high-quality growth.

• Cultivation cycle: Frequent plucking (≈32 times annually), with the first harvest (“frost tea”) after a short dormancy in winter, noted for unique flavour.

• Issues faced by Nilgiri tea industry:

• Low Prices: Green Tea Leaf (GTL) prices often below cost of production. Overcapacity: Too many factories vs. crop output, reducing quality. Market Dependence: Heavy reliance on Russia/USSR in past; poor diversification. Auction Problems: Manipulation, advance deals, and weak price discovery. Quality Concerns: Adulteration and inconsistent standards. High Costs: Rising labour and input costs burden small growers.

• Low Prices: Green Tea Leaf (GTL) prices often below cost of production.

• Overcapacity: Too many factories vs. crop output, reducing quality.

• Market Dependence: Heavy reliance on Russia/USSR in past; poor diversification.

• Auction Problems: Manipulation, advance deals, and weak price discovery.

• Quality Concerns: Adulteration and inconsistent standards.

• High Costs: Rising labour and input costs burden small growers.