Assam’s tea industry is reeling from extreme weather, with May’s heatwaves and July’s floods causing a major production slump. This erratic climate has led to a nearly 20% price increase in just one year. Assam, which contributes over half of India’s tea output and 13% of global production, is at the heart of this crisis.
As you enjoy your daily cup of tea, hidden beneath the serene greenery of Assam’s tea gardens, a brewing storm of climate change and devastating floods threatens to escalate the cost of India’s beloved beverage.By the end of June, average tea prices soared to Rs. 217.53 per kg, reflecting a nearly 20 percent rise from the previous year, as reported by the Tea Board’s data.
Jorhat, India – August 30, 2011: a group of female employees harvest the second flush of tea leaves. They are wearing wide cane hats, saris and carrying wicker baskets to place the picked tea leaves. It is a bright sunny and hot day on the plantation which is in Jorhat, Assam, north east India.
Assam tea, known for its rich, malty flavor and health benefits, is facing severe production challenges. Historically, the region’s ideal mix of sunlight and rainfall, which has defined Assam tea since the early 1820s, is now threatened by climate change.
Temperatures below 26.6 degrees Celsius reduce production in Assam’s 82 tea gardens, while rising temperatures worsen pest infestations, further jeopardizing yields. In response, the Assam State Cabinet has approved the Assam State Action Plan for Climate Change-II for 2021-2030, aiming to bolster resilience against climate impacts. However, these measures alone may not be enough.
Assam’s tea gardens must adapt swiftly to changing conditions to protect the future of this beloved beverage. Without effective, concerted efforts, the cost of your morning cup of Assam tea may continue to rise, reflecting the growing impact of climate change on this vital industry.
