The Nilgiris is mainly a Plantation District. The soil and climatic conditions are highly favourable for Tea cultivation.

Tea industry here is over 100 years old and is the backbone of the Economy of this District. It is an agro based export oriented industry. Tea is grown in nearly 70% of the cultivated area of the Nilgiris, producing around 60,000 tons of tea a year.

There is a Tea auction centre at Coonoor where most Nilgiri is sold.  Nilgiri Teas include Cut-Twist-Curl leaf, Cut-Twist-Curl dust, Orthodox leaf and Orthodox dust.