ABSTRACT
However, based on worldwide consumption of tea, the largest share is attributable to black tea, accounting for 75 - 85%, followed by green tea (20 - 22%), and oolong tea (2 - 3%).
Black tea, because of the sheer magnitude of its consumption is, pivotal to the economics of many countries, producers and consumers alike. Tea is thus grown by some 34 countries spreading over Asia, Africa, South America and Australia (Table 1.1), within a fairly wide geographic swath, ranging from 27 S (Argentina) to 43 N (Georgia). The area under tea cultivation as well as its production and productivity in these countries vary, though it is difficult to relate the variation in productivity to any single factor or combination of factors (Table 1.2). The finest high quality tea is produced in the estates of Darjeeling.
