At a glance
Tea is one of the most refreshing and popular beverages around the world. India is one the the largest Tea producer with the finest quality in the world. The best quality Tea is CTC and Orthodox Assam Tea and the consumption is above 600 Million kgs per year. The market consists of both Leaf and Dust Teas both in the CTC and Orthodox Grades.
In India the Tea trading in done in two ways in the domestic market by way of Auction and Private Selling. Kerala exports annually 35 million kilograms of tea valued at Rs. 2200 million, particularly to the Middle East, and Russia. The plantation sector is important to the economy of Kerala, contributing about Rs.29.11 billion to its GDP. Kerala produces 34% of the tea produced in the country.
Wayanad
Wayanad is set on the Western Ghats and is also characterized by its high mountain peaks. Tea is supposed to require a minimum rainfall within the range of 1150 - 1400 mm. per annum. The lands in Wayanad are more suitable to grow tea which is produced in Wayanad using good agriculture practices. Tea gardens in the Wayanad – Nilgiris range occupy an area of 55 square km. This tea producing region is spreading over a high elevation that ranges between 900 to 1400 meters.
The tea plantation in Wayanad is done on a very small scale. The tea produced in this region has an earthy red liquor with a clean aroma.