Tea Industry in Peril: Climate Change and Pest Infestations Threaten State’s Economy
Why in News?
- Assam’s tea industry, a vital part of the state’s economy, is facing a severe crisis due to climate change and pest infestations. Erratic weather conditions and rising temperatures are leading to lower yields, reduced tea quality, and financial losses for growers, while increasing pest attacks are further worsening the situation.
Important Key Points:
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Decline in Tea Production: In 2024, India’s tea production decreased by 7.8% compared to the previous year, totaling 1,284.78 million kg. Assam, which accounts for more than half of the country’s output, saw a decline from 688.33 million kg in 2023 to 649.84 million kg in 2024. This reduction is attributed to heatwaves and floods during the peak harvesting season.
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Climate Change Impacts:
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Erratic Weather Patterns: Assam has been experiencing erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and increasing temperatures, leading to irregular growth patterns and reduced leaf quality. Excessive rain can cause flooding, damaging tea bushes and making the soil unsuitable for cultivation.
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Temperature Rise: A study indicates that an increase of 1°C above an average temperature of 28°C can reduce tea yields by approximately 4%. High temperatures and intense sunlight damage tea leaves and dry out the soil, decreasing both yield and quality.
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Pest and Disease Infestations:
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Increased Pest Attacks: Higher temperatures are associated with increased pest populations and the emergence of new insect species. Approximately 80% of tea-growing areas in India are affected, leading to significant reductions in annual yields.
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Chemical Resistance: Many pests have developed resistance to the 35 chemicals permitted for use in tea cultivation, complicating control efforts.
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Economic Consequences:
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Revenue Losses: The decrease in production has led to financial losses for tea growers. However, the reduced supply has also resulted in a significant increase in tea prices, with average prices in 2024 reaching 198.76 rupees per kg, an 18% jump from the previous year.
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Export Challenges: India, as the world’s second-largest tea producer, exports various tea grades to countries like Egypt, the UK, Iraq, Iran, and Russia. Production shortfalls can impact these export relationships.
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Adaptation Strategies:
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Sustainable Practices: Tea growers are adopting measures such as rainwater harvesting, irrigation, afforestation, biodiversity conservation, soil mulching, and creating wind barriers to combat climate change effects.
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Training Initiatives: Organizations like Trustea are conducting training programs for small tea growers in Assam to promote sustainable cultivation practices and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
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