Tea Yield Trends 2025: Insights for India’s Top Regions

“In 2024, Assam’s tea yield improved by 8% using NDVI-based monitoring and modern nutrient strategies.”

Tea Yield Trends 2025 are shaping the landscape of India’s tea industry, especially across its most productive regions like Assam, North Bengal (including Dooars and Jalpaiguri), and the sub-Himalayan districts. Leveraging advances in NDVI remote sensing, satellite monitoring, and data-driven agronomy, the sector is witnessing more targeted and sustainable approaches in tea cultivation, nutrient management, and irrigation strategies. Whether you’re an industry professional, grower, or agronomist, staying up to date on tea yield trends and regional best practices is critical to maximizing both output and sustainability in 2025 and beyond.

In this comprehensive, data-driven industry analysis, we explore:

• NDVI-based tea yield estimation techniques, their practical applications, and how they are revolutionizing field-based decisions.
• Phenology and flush cycles in India’s key plantations, including metrics for active plucking and autumn flushes.
• Best-in-class organic and chemical nutrient management, with real soil composition data, fertilizer recommendations, and ideal NPKS+Zn levels.
• Irrigation best practices and water management during critical growth periods, signaled by NDVI/NDWI values.
• Challenges and opportunities in pest, weed, and disease management for high-yield, sustainable tea cultivation.

Ready to monitor and analyze your plantation with real-time satellite & AI insights? Farmonaut’s crop, plantation, and forest advisory solution delivers actionable, science-backed recommendations for every stage of tea growth—from soil health to plucking schedules.

India’s Regional Tea Cultivation: A 2025 Perspective

India remains one of the world leaders in tea production, with a cultivated area exceeding 566,000 hectares and more than 1.35 million tonnes produced annually (Tea Board of India, Annual Report 2022-23). As the sector enters 2025, a notable shift is underway towards precision agriculture, powered by satellite-based NDVI analysis and integrated nutrient and irrigation management.

High-yielding tea regions such as Assam, Dooars (North Bengal), Kangra (Himachal Pradesh), and the Nilgiris continue to benefit from their ideal climatic conditions, robust canopy coverage, and rapid response to technological advances in crop monitoring. Strong seasonal rainfall, acidic pH (4.5–5.5), and rich organic matter typify the soil conditions that allow Indian tea plants to flourish.

Keyword Focus: “Tea”, “NDVI”, “Yield”, “Growth”, “Cultivation”

The integration of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) in plantation management is producing significant improvements in the tea yield range. NDVI values, calculated from satellite images, provide accurate feedback on the vegetative health and productivity of tea crops in real time.

“NDVI-driven yield estimation predicted 15% higher output for organic-managed tea plantations in South India in 2025.”

NDVI-Based Growth & Yield Estimation for 2025

The NDVI method has quickly become an indispensable tool in assessing tea crop health, development, and yield estimation across India’s key plantations. NDVI is calculated using satellite data, comparing reflected near-infrared (NIR) and red light from plant canopies:

NDVI = (NIR – Red) / (NIR + Red)

High NDVI values (typically 0.7–0.9) indicate dense, actively growing, and healthy tea canopies, while lower values signal stress due to plucking, nutrient deficiencies, or disease. Analyzing NDVI together with NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index) provides an even more nuanced understanding of plant moisture status, supporting optimal irrigation scheduling and proactive pest or weed management.

• Assam Tea Gardens: Average NDVI scores hit 0.81 in recent reports (September 2025), indicating robust vegetative growth and optimal canopy development during the plucking window.
• North Bengal (Dooars, Jalpaiguri, Mal, Kumargram): NDVI scores range from 0.54 in Younger Autumn Flush plots (Kumargram) to as high as 0.75 in mature, well-managed fields (Dhupguri), signifying high yield potential when combined with proper nutrient balance.
• Key NDVI Ranges for 2025 by Region & Growth Stage:
  • Active Plucking/Flush Period: 0.7–0.9 (Healthy, optimum yield)
  • Autumn Flush/Slower Growth: 0.65–0.80 (Slightly lower—less vigorous growth)
  • Post-plucking or Stress: < 0.7 (Potential yield loss, requires management)

Regional Tea Yield & Agronomy Comparison Table (2025)

Our Regional Tea Yield & Agronomy Comparison Table offers a clear, actionable side-by-side view of India’s top tea-producing regions, including their NDVI values, estimated yield (kg/ha), and leading agronomic practices. This data assists growers, agronomists, and industry analysts in benchmarking and strategy optimization for sustainable tea production.

Sources: Tea Board of India (Annual Reports 2022–2023), Regional Research Association Reports, NDVI Satellite Monitoring Data (2025), FAO Guidelines, Journal of Plantation Crops, Industry Surveys.

Phenology & Flush Cycles: Maximizing Plucking Efficiency

To optimize tea yield and maintain healthy plantations, understanding phenological stages and plucking (flush) cycles is crucial in both Assam and North Bengal. These cycles determine the timing and frequency of harvest, directly affecting both yield and quality.

Key Growth Stages and Typical Durations (2025)

• Germination/Sprouting (from seed/cutting): 0–30 days
• Branching/Vegetative Growth: 60–180 days
• First Leaf Development: 30–60 days
• Active Plucking Cycles (First/Second Flush; Summer/Monsoon Flush): 270–365+ days (repeated 7–14 days during flush, Mar–Nov)
• Autumn Flush: September–November; growth slows, NDVI dips but leaf quality improves
• Dormancy/Reduced Growth: November–February (NDVI lowest, plant reserves energy)

During active flush periods (especially Mar–Sept), NDVI values are high, signifying rapid vegetative growth and continuous plucking. Slowdowns or dips in NDVI indicate autumn flush, post-plucking, or stress, necessitating a shift in nutrient and irrigation strategy.

Seasonal Insights for Plucking:

• Assam & North Bengal: 7–14 day plucking intervals during active growth; yield increase potential up to 1,500–2,000 kg/acre per cycle, with well-timed picks.
• Darjeeling & Kangra: Slower flushes, shorter harvesting time, but premium leaf value.

Soil Health & Nutrient Management: Organic & Chemical Strategies

Soil health is central to achieving high and sustainable tea yields in 2025. Both “organic” and “chemical” strategies are relied upon, with several key nutrient elements playing a dominant role.

• Nitrogen (N): Drives flush development, succulent leaf growth; optimal range: 18.2–27.3 kg/acre.
• Phosphorus (P): Enhances root development, energy transfer; optimal: 18.2–27.3 kg/acre.
• Potassium (K): Improves water regulation, stand vigor; optimal: 109.2–182.0 kg/acre.
• Sulphur (S): Protein synthesis, leaf quality; optimal: 9.1–18.2 kg/acre.
• Zinc (Zn): Enzyme activity, flush initiation; optimal: 0.9–2.7 kg/acre.

Chemical vs Organic Nutrient Recommendations

Common chemical sources for NPKS+Zn include Urea, Muriate of Potash (MOP), Single Superphosphate, Gypsum, and Zinc Sulphate. Organic alternatives gaining traction in Bengal and Assam are Compost, wood ash, farmyard manure, bone meal, and zincated compost.

• Example Application Rate (Phosphorus): If ideal soil P is 22.75 kg/acre, and current actual by lab is 11.1 kg/acre—a gap of 11.65 kg/acre exists. To close, apply 13.6 kg/acre Single Superphosphate (16% P=13.6/0.16=85 kg/acre actual product) or switch to 136 kg/acre bone meal organically.
• K Potash: Ideal mid-point 145.6 kg/acre – actual 64.9 = gap of 80.7 kg; apply 44.9 kg/acre MOP for fast response, or 449 kg/acre wood ash for a slower, organic release.

Soil pH, Salinity & SOC Optimization

• pH Target: 4.5–5.5 (tea prefers acidic soil, improves nutrient uptake, lowers weed/pest pressure)
• Salinity: Low to Moderate is optimal. Higher values (“moderate”)—as seen in stress-prone plots—signal build-up of exchangeable potassium and highlights the need for irrigation leaching.
• SOC (Soil Organic Carbon): Target 2.0–3.0% to maximize yield, resilience, and moisture retention. Average actuals in 2025 remain low (< 0.25%), suggesting a major yield gap and need for increased compost application and SOC tracking/carbon farming services.

Irrigation Best Practices for Top Indian Tea Regions

Effective irrigation management is essential for consistent flush development, NDVI stability, and resilience during periods of stress (high evapotranspiration, low rainfall). Tea is a perennial and often rain-fed staple, but reliance on sprinkler irrigation is increasing, especially in North Bengal and Assam.

• Sprinkler Irrigation is the dominant method in Assam, Dooars, and Jalpaiguri. Early morning applications (5–8 AM) at 4–6 mm/day frequency help match ET demand and avoid mid-day losses.
• Scheduling by NDWI: Moderate to high NDWI (0.66–0.76) permits a 2–3 day interval. Low NDVI/NDWI (e.g., 0.3) during stress triggers daily irrigation until recovery.
• Rainfall Adjustment: In monsoon regions, skip irrigation on rainy days to avoid salinity and waterlogging.
• Soil Moisture & Canopy Feedback: Use satellite-based NDWI/NDVI or in-field probes to adjust watering in real time.

Irrigation is a vital component within precision agriculture. To streamline water use and guarantee consistent tea crop yield, Farmonaut’s platform allows satellite-based soil moisture and ET (evapotranspiration) tracking for both individual growers and large estates (API link | developer docs).

Sustainable Pest & Disease Management in Plantation Crops

Managing pests and diseases remains a key challenge for sustainable, high-yield tea plantations in India. NDVI dips and sudden drops signal probable outbreaks, especially in humid periods or after nutrient-induced stress. Common threats in 2025 include:

• Blister blight (Exobasidium vexans)—high probability; hexaconazole (chemical) and copper fungicides (organic) as recommended controls.
• Red rust (Cephaleuros virescens), Brown blight—advised: Bordeaux mixture, pruning of infected areas (organic).
• Tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis theivora)—high occurrence in Assam and Bengal; lambda-cyhalothrin/imidacloprid (chemical), neem oil/biologicals (organic) for suppression.
• Red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae)—moderate to high, especially under water-stress; fenpropathrin/propargite (chemical) or predatory mites for integrated control.

Integrated management recommendations:

1. NDVI & NDWI Monitoring: Watch for dips in NDVI below regional baseline (e.g., from 0.80 to 0.40) as early warning for pest/disease intervention.
2. Sustainable Control: Rotate chemical and organic solutions to minimize resistance (alternating neem oil with Thiamethoxam, or Bordeaux with Hexaconazole).
3. Flush Synchrony: Time control measures just before or at the start of fresh flushes to protect succulent, high-value new growth.

Our platform helps by providing real-time, AI-driven advisories (see large scale farm management with Farmonaut), enabling proactive scouting and targeted, environmentally responsible chemical or organic applications.

Weed & Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Management for Sustainable Yield

Weeds such as Ageratum conyzoides, Borreria hispida, Mikania micrantha, and Imperata cylindrica are persistent problems in West Bengal and Assam tea plantations, especially when NDVI values drop below 0.7 (indicating reduced canopy closure and increased light at soil level). Effective methods include:

• Pre-/post-emergent herbicides (e.g., glyphosate, paraquat, quizalofop-ethyl) when chemical methods are necessary.
• Organic solutions: Manual weeding, mulching with compost or wood ash—safest during periods of moderate/natural rainfall.
• Canopy management: Encouraging vigorous flush cycles enhances canopy cover, outcompeting weeds.

Increasing SOC for Tea Crop Resilience

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is a proven driver of tea yield and farm sustainability. Yet, most Indian plantations remain below 0.25%, far below the recommended 2–3%. Increasing application of compost, cover crops, and reduced tillage can help bridge this gap, especially in organic-certified estates.

Advanced traceability tools like our supply chain traceability service can verify organic or sustainable origins, meet export standards, and reduce disputes along the value chain.

Satellite & AI-Driven Crop Monitoring: Video Tutorials

Empowering the modern tea grower or estate manager means mastering technology. To help you get started with satellite and AI-based insights in tea cultivation, here are some essential Farmonaut video tutorials:

• Understanding NDVI for Plant Monitoring & Management: Strategies for maximizing crop health and yield.
  
  
• Farmonaut Web System Tutorial: How to monitor crops via satellite & AI.
  
  
• JEEVN AI: Smart Farming with Satellite & AI Insights: AI-powered recommendations for agriculture.
  
  
• Farmonaut Satellite Based Crop Health Monitoring: Crop health visualization and management.
  
  
• Regenerative Agriculture 2025: Carbon Farming, Soil Health & Climate-Smart Solutions:
  
  

For developers, tech-savvy growers, and institutions, learn how you can integrate NDVI, NDWI, and crop health monitoring via API on our full-featured developer documentation: Farmonaut API Documentation.

Farmonaut Satellite Technology & Subscription Services

As a leader in global satellite-based agricultural intelligence, we at Farmonaut empower tea growers, estate managers, and agri-businesses across India. Our mission is to make high-grade NDVI-driven, data-backed agronomy affordable and accessible to everyone from smallholders to the largest growers. Subscribe to scalable, annual or custom packages and unlock features like:

• Real-time vegetation index tracking (NDVI, NDWI, SAVI, EVI, etc.) and health alerts
• AI-driven crop growth, water, and nutrient advisories—personalized for your field or estate
• Traceability and sustainability tracking—including carbon footprint management
• Automated reporting for banks, insurance, and regulators (reducing fraud & expediting claims)
• App and API integrations; accessible from Android, iOS, and web devices

Want to see NDVI and yield predictions on your phone? Download our mobile apps:
Android
or
iOS

FAQ: Tea Yield Trends & Agronomy (2025)

Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Tea Yield in India

The tea yield trends for 2025 point towards a future where NDVI-based monitoring, targeted “organic + chemical” nutrient management, and dynamic water management form the backbone of sustainable productivity. By leveraging the best available agronomic data and satellite insights, Indian growers can bridge the gap between actual yield and genetic potential, minimize risk from pests, weeds, or nutrient imbalances, and foster a new era of resilient, high-quality tea cultivation.

With climate risks, price fluctuations, and sustainability pressures mounting, tea is not just about tradition—it’s about tech-driven progress. Tools from Farmonaut can be the difference between stagnation and exceptional performance, with AI-powered advisories, crop health monitoring, and end-to-end resource management tailored for both smallholders and large enterprises.

Take the next step towards optimized tea health and yield—see live analytics for your plantation on mobile or desktop, or connect to our powerful API for farm-wide data integration.

Farmonaut is your satellite partner in sustainable tea cultivation and the digitized agriculture future of India.