Organic tea production is a major shift in this sector (E.g.: Darjeeling tea), and in Kerala coverage under Organic tea could be increased. They normally have strong flavour, preferred by the people as a whole. The popular forms of tea available in Kerala are CTC (literally means вЂCrush, Tear and CurlвЂ™) and leaf tea.

Idukki and Wayanad are the major tea growing districts in Kerala, followed by Palakkad, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Kollam and Kottayam. In 2006, Kerala alone produced 59.462 Million Kg of tea, accounting to more than 6% of the national production and 26% of the production from the Southern states. During 2006, the total tea production in the country was 981.805 Million Kg, of which 753.243 Million Kg was the output from the Northern States, and 228.562 Million Kg from the Southern States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Other prominent markets include the U.A.E, U.K, Iran, U.S.A, Afghanistan, Germany, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, Sri Lanka, A.R.E & Pakistan. Russia is the single largest importer of Indian Tea. The major market for Indian Tea is the CIS countries, mainly Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Unlike most other tea producing and exporting countries, India has a dual manufacturing base, producing both CTC and Orthodox teas in addition to green tea. Major tea growing regions of the country are concentrated in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Tea plantations in India are mainly located in rural and hilly areas of North-eastern and Southern States. The tea industry in India is more than 170 years old and occupies an important place in the national economy. The major destination of spice exports is USA followed by the European Union, Malaysia, China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Japan and the Middle East. The export of spices from Kerala is mainly through Cochin and Trivandrum Ports. The export of Vanilla from Kerala increased from 22.18 ton in 2005-06 to 56.75 ton in 2007-06 and earned Rs.635.39 lakhs against Rs.405.35 lakhs in the previous year, achieving 56.75% increase in value and 155.9% increase in quantity. Kerala, which is the Spices Garden of India, is home to all major items of export like Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Turmeric, Curry powder, Spice oils and Oleoresins, Vanilla, Nutmeg and mace.Дuring 2006-07, the StateвЂ™s share to total Pepper export from the country was above 88% both in quantity and value. The export of spices from India during the year has been 444250 ton valued at $1101.80 million registering an increase of 39% in value over 2006-07.

India exports more than 0.40 million tons of spices annually and account for around 48% of the global export volume and 44% of the export value.Д¬hilly, Turmeric, Pepper, Cummin, Coriander, Ginger, Cardamom, Tamarind, Cloves, Fenugreek, Fennel, Celery, Garlic, Vanilla, Nutmeg & Mace, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Cambodge, Cassia, Saffron, Oils & Oleoresins, Mint products and Curry Powder are the major Spice items exported from the country.Дuring the year 2007-08, the export earnings from spices have surpassed the $1 billion mark for the first time and registered an all time high both in terms of quantity and value in spice exports. In the case of curry powders, spice powders, spice mixtures and packed spices too, the country is in a formidable position. India can boast as the monopoly supplier of spices, spice oils and oleoresins the world over.

Major exporter of nutmeg