Russia-Ukraine war may adversely hit Indian tea industry
In the midst of the recent Russo-Ukraine war, India is looking for alternative markets for tea exports.
- In the wake of Russian attack on Ukraine, India wants to develop an alternative export market for tea. Countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Japan, and Tunisia could be included in this alternative export market.
- At present, Russia alone imports more than 20 percent of the total tea exports from the country. Countries included in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are also important tea export destinations of India.
Tea production in India:
- In the year 2019, India was the world’s second largest tea producer. India produces a wide variety of teas including CTC Tea, Orthodox Tea, Green Tea, and Organic Tea.
- The Tea Board of India was established under the Tea Act, 1953. This board performs developmental and regulatory functions, and also looks after promotional activities.
Climatic conditions for tea cultivation
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for tea cultivation is 21°C to 29°C. However, a minimum temperature of 16 °C is required for the growth of tea.
- Rainfall: 150-250 cm rainfall is required for tea cultivation.
- Soil: Tea plants require fertile hilly soil mixed with lime and iron. This soil should be rich in humus.
- Land: For the cultivation of tea, land with good drainage is required. Water stagnation is not suitable for tea plants.
Commonwealth Independent States: CIS
- The CIS was established in the year 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
- It consists of 12 member states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
Source – The Hindu