Explained | How the Indian Tea industry has been impacted by Climate Change

Tea is the second most consumed drink after water and just like many other things, climate change is now impacting its cultivation. Changing climatic condition is affecting tea growth posing a threat to the livelihoods of millions who rely on this industry. 

Tea is the most important cash crop globally, and in India, tea plays an important role in rural development, food security, and poverty eradication, especially in major tea-producing states like Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Tea cultivation is dependent on stable temperatures and consistent rainfall. Thus, climate change poses a threat to the livelihoods of tea workers who are presently facing the consequences of a changing climate and which is only likely to increase further in the future. Unusual weather patterns caused by climate change are creating challenging growing conditions for tea producers, this has resulted in low crop yields and quality which then has to be sold at a lower price. To prevent this situation tea producers tend to use more fertilizers and pesticides resulting in increased production costs. This scenario is likely to rise as climate change worsens. 

How is rising temperature a serious cause of concern?

The IPCC report suggests that the world will experience more heatwaves, longer warm seasons, and at least a 1.5°C rise in global temperatures over the next two decades; with the potential for heat extremes to reach critical tolerance levels for agriculture. These instances of extreme temperatures are damaging for tea cultivation and could result in devastating crop losses when accompanied by low humidity. 

A study has found that an additional one degree above an average temperature of 28°C reduces tea yields by around 4%. This is because high temperatures and intense sunlight cause damage to the tea leaf and dry out the soil. It also decreases the overall taste and quality of the product making it difficult for tea planters to sell. 

Other concerns:

Increase in the number of Pests

Increasing temperatures and the prevalence of pests and plant diseases are associated with each other. Higher temperatures increase bug population growth and the risk of attacks. 80% of tea-growing areas in India are affected by this and it is estimated to cause a 50% reduction in annual yields. 

Changes in rainfall pattern 

In north-eastern India, there has been a decrease of around 200 mm of rainfall over the years. There has also been an increase in the average temperature of around 1.3 °C over the last 93 years and an increase in the number of days with more than 35 °C, in the last thirty years. Another important reason is the rising carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. In recent years it has increased to 398 ppm in Assam which is many folds higher than the level of carbon dioxide which was quantified to be around 364 ppm in 2008. 

Drought

Drought is combined with lower precipitation rates, increasing temperatures causing evaporation, and reducing surface water. During drought, lower soil moisture decreases the rate of photosynthesis, limiting the growth and yield of tea crops. Droughts have become common in nearly all major tea-growing countries, including India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and China. In Assam, one of India’s wettest states, tea estates received less than 50% of the rainfall required during the first harvest period in 2021. 

A study focusing on the impact of climate change on tea in Northeast India has found that there is a possibility of an increase in average temperature by 2℃ in 2050. This might have a direct impact on the tea industry due to changes in the tea production period and would make tea planters look for alternative crops for their income. These planters would have to make certain substitutes in management practices in order to adapt to the evolving conditions. This study also shows that the overall climate will have lesser seasonal variations but might have significant variations in precipitation trends during production months.

Case study:  Assam Tea and the disappearing second flush

Assam tea is generally known for the second flush but Tea planters in Assam are now saying that the pure second flush character is missing, according to a report by Down To Earth. In November 2021, the second flush was almost missing in the tea growing season. The changes in the rainfall and weather patterns have been very unusual in the last few years.

The second flush is known as the period when the tea plants start growing new leaves to be harvested. This season comes in the months of May and June and the harvest in this season is known for its classic flavors with robustness and woody astringency. The missing second flush comes with economic loss to the planters as well as impacting the plantation area. 

The Chairman of the Indian Tea Association, Vivek Goenka said, “The tea industry in Assam and Bengal is facing the consequences of climate change. Erratic weather patterns, prolonged periods of drought, prolonged periods of rain, and a lot more. Measures to mitigate the impact need to be urgently undertaken and also adapting to the new normal”. 

(with inputs from Aaysuhi Sharma)