Tea growers in Assam, the top producing State of the brew, are getting high-quality second flush tea this year, backed by favourable weather conditions.On average, Assam produces around 100 million kg of second flush tea annually. Second flush tea accounts for around 15 per cent of the State’s annual tea production.“The tea industry is highly dependent on climatic conditions. In recent years, erratic weather patterns have shortened the duration of the pure second flush season. This year, however, favourable weather conditions have resulted in an excellent pure second flush crop in Assam. No tea in the world can match the distinctive taste and character of pure second flush Assam tea,” Bidyananda Barkakoty, Adviser, North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), told businessline.Renowned globallyAssam second flush tea is globally renowned for its bold, full-bodied liquor, briskness and rich malty sweetness. The second flush crop is typically harvested between late May and June.This year, tea production in this Northeastern State during the January-March period was 38 per cent lower compared with the period a year ago. “However, it may be noted that tea production during the first quarter of last year was exceptionally high, and therefore, the industry did not expect a similar level of production this year,” Barkakoty pointed out.During April and May 2025, Assam produced 106.54 million kg of tea. “It is unlikely that this level of production will be achieved during the same period this year. Consequently, tea production in the State during the period January to May 2026 is expected to be significantly lower than in the corresponding period last year,” Barkakoty said.Average price upIn 2025, the State produced 699 million kg of tea, which was around 50 per cent of India’s total production of the brew.Reflecting a strong demand for quality Assam tea, average price of CTC tea at the Guwahati tea auction centre during the period from April 1 to May 31, 2026 was ₹33.86 per kg higher than in the same period last year.Tea prices at the farm-gate level fluctuate due to a variety of factors, as is the case with many other agricultural commodities. Green leaf prices also vary accordingly .“Green leaf prices are largely quality-driven. At present, green leaf with a 45 per cent fine leaf count (as determined through ballometric count) is fetching around ₹45 per kg, while green leaf with a fine leaf count exceeding 50 per cent is fetching ₹50 per kg and above,” Barkakoty said.Published on June 4, 2026