×

UPSC Courses

DNA banner

DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 10 October, 2025

  • 3 Min Read

Nilgiri Tea

Nilgiri tea is a highly valued variety of tea grown in the southern portion of the Western Ghats. It is renowned for its distinct aroma and flavor profile, making it a popular choice for blends, especially iced tea.

Key Characteristics:

  • Origin: Named after the Nilgiris (Blue Mountains) where it is cultivated, mainly in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, with smaller portions grown in Kerala and Karnataka.

  • Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Nilgiri tea was granted the GI tag in 2008, signifying its unique quality and regional identity.

  • Flavor: Known for its delicate floral and citrus notes, it stands out for its fragrant and intense flavor profile.

  • Uses: Frequently used for iced tea and blended with other teas to create distinct taste profiles.

Required Climatic Conditions:

  • Altitude: Grown at elevations between 1000 to 2500 meters above sea level.

  • Rainfall: Receives 150-230 cm of annual rainfall.

  • Soil: Thrives in well-drained Laterite soil.

  • Monsoons: The region experiences two monsoons annually, contributing to a unique growing environment.

Issues Faced by Nilgiri Tea Growers

Price Fluctuations for Green Tea Leaves (GTL):

The most pressing concern for Nilgiri tea growers is the dwindling prices for Green Tea Leaves (GTL). This price crisis has severely impacted small growers, making it harder for them to sustain production. The declining prices are attributed to several factors, including:

  • Over-reliance on Russian Exports: The region's dependence on Russian markets has led to price instability. With the global geopolitical climate being unpredictable, fluctuations in demand and prices from Russia affect the sustainability of local growers.

  • Poor Quality Management: Quality control remains a challenge, with some growers not maintaining the high standards required for export. This contributes to adulteration in the local market, further devaluing the product and reducing demand.

Market Negligence:

The local market's neglect of Nilgiri tea has compounded the problem. Despite its unique flavor and quality, Nilgiri tea faces tough competition from other global tea markets, such as those in China and Sri Lanka. The lack of promotion and support for the local industry has led to stagnant prices and shrinking market share.

Conclusion

Nilgiri tea, with its unique flavor and rich heritage, faces critical challenges in the form of price instability, market negligence, and over-reliance on specific export markets. Addressing these issues through quality improvement, market diversification, and better industry support could secure the future of Nilgiri tea growers and help the industry regain its stature as one of India’s premium tea-producing regions

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS


Formation Day

On 1st November, eight Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu—along with five Union Territories—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry—celebrate their Formation Day. This date marks an important milestone in India

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary

The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kachhua Sanctuary, is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is recognised as India’s first freshwater turtle wildlife sanctuary, established to conserve endangered turtle species and support the ecological health of the Ganga River. Location and Extent The sanctuary co

Introduction of AI and Computational Thinking (CT) in

The Ministry of Education plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) from Class 3 onwards in the 2026–27 academic year. This initiative is part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to prepare student

Sal Tree

Scientists from the Environment Department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla have recently revealed that the Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is the most effective natural air purifier for combating rising pollution levels. Their findings highlight the tree’s superior capacity to trap dust, absorb gases, and cleanse the air compared

US Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing

The President of the United States has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapon testing after a gap of 33 years, the last test being in 1992. This decision marks a significant shift in global nuclear policy and has far-reaching implications for geopolitics, the environment, and international security. Status of Global Nuclear Weapon Testing

DNA

03 Dec,2025

Toppers

Search By Date

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW Prelims Answer Key 2024