El Nino drives 2% drop in Keralam tea production

India Sep 16, 2026

Keralam's tea gardens are feeling the heat this year, literally.

Thanks to El Nino and its rainfall shortage, tea production dropped by 2% from January to August compared to last year, falling from 31.274 million kg to 30.624 million kg.

That puts extra pressure on those who depend on this industry.

Wayanad 8.11% drop/Munnar rise/Penshurst Estate +4.4%

The impact wasn't the same everywhere: Wayanad had it rough with an 8.11% production drop after losing over half its usual rain, while Munnar actually saw a tiny bump in yield per hectare.

And in a surprising twist, Penshurst Estate in Wagamon managed to boost its productivity by 4.4%, showing that even tough weather can't keep everyone down.