Assam’s tea sector is facing a dual crisis due to erratic climate patterns and little increase in real tea prices. These challenges are threatening the sustainability of one of India’s most important plantation industries.
Background
- Assam is the largest tea-producing region in India, supporting nearly 12 lakh workers, many of them women.
- Tea cultivation depends on stable temperature, steady rainfall, and moist soils, conditions that once prevailed in the Brahmaputra valley.
- Recent climate disturbances and slow price growth have created economic and ecological pressure on growers and estates.
Changing Climate Conditions in Assam
- Rising Temperatures: Mean and maximum temperatures have increased, pushing tea bushes beyond their comfort zone. Night-time temperatures are also rising, disturbing plant recovery.
- Altered Rainfall Patterns: Long dry spells, delayed monsoon, and sudden heavy showers are now common. Winter and pre-monsoon rainfall—critical for plant growth—are declining.
- Reduced Soil Moisture: Unpredictable rain distribution and heat reduce soil’s capacity to retain moisture. Leads to leaf wilting, weaker flush cycles, and lower productivity.
Scientific Findings on Future Risks
- A study by the Tea Research Association using IPCC climate pathways (RCP 2.6 and 4.5) predicts major shifts by 2050.
- Both minimum and maximum temperatures will rise, while rainfall will become more uneven.
- Present high-suitability zones like Upper Assam, South Bank, and Cachar may lose climate advantage.
- Tea cultivation may shift to higher altitudes like Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
- Average minimum temperature has already risen 1°C in 90 years, with 200 mm annual rainfall loss.
Increased Pests and Plant Stress
- Heat beyond 35°C reduces nutrient uptake, making bushes vulnerable.
- New pests and diseases are spreading across plantations.
- Unlike other crop sectors, tea growers receive minimal disaster support.
Price Stagnation and Economic Pressure
- Heat beyond 35°C reduces nutrient uptake, making bushes vulnerable.
- New pests and diseases are spreading across plantations.
- Unlike other crop sectors, tea growers receive minimal disaster support.
Way Forward
- Climate-Resilient Farming: Promote seed-grown varieties, high-yield drought-tolerant clones. Use mulching, cover crops, organic matter to retain moisture.
- Water Management: Adopt micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and better drainage systems.
- Sustainable Certification: Programmes like trustea (India Sustainable Tea Code) help small growers adopt efficient water use, integrated pest management, and climate-friendly practices.
- Economic Diversification: Promote allied activities such as fruits, spices, organic tea, fisheries, livestock, tourism, and direct selling.
- Policy Support: Treat tea at par with other crops for subsidies, insurance, and climate assistance. Increase investment in research, training, and climate-resilient technologies.
This topic is available in detail on our main website.
