Career Prospects

The demand for tea far exceeds supply, and as the requirement for additional acres under tea grows, so will that of professionals to work in this industry. Most professionals are required to work in the tea gardens, which is also the best way to start a career in the field. 

Tea companies which own tea gardens employ graduates to start work in the gardens, and after several years of experience, in the field, move them to the marketing and blending departments at the company headquarters.

There are also jobs in tea associations, and positions on the Tea Board of India.

An experienced tea planter can also move into tea brokerage or tea tasting, or take up employment at a tea auction house.

Experienced tea professionals can become consultants providing advice on the varieties of tea to be planted, new varieties and their sources, recruitment and training of personnel, compensation, benefits and incentives to personnel and labor and so on.

Future Prospects

Rising demand for tea, and higher exports during the previous year, have raised expectations in the tea industry, which had undergone a slump in recent years. India's tea exports touched a high of 163 million kgs in 1995, posting an 11 per cent growth over the previous year. 

Estimates place national tea consumption as rising at a steady three per cent to cross the 600 kg mark by the end of the year. This is bound to boost job opportunities in this industry.