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Climate change is threatening the tea sector globally in several ways. The rise in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns are causing a decline in yields and a decrease in the quality of the tea produced. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms are also causing significant damage to tea crops.
The Indian Tea Association (ITA), a leading planters' organization, has warned that climate change is posing a serious threat to the global tea industry. Lower yields and higher production costs are some of the impacts of this phenomenon.
According to the latest data compiled by the Tea Board, tea production in India was 13.43 million kilograms in January 2023, down from 16.22 million kilograms in the same month of the previous year.
Climate change is also threatening the long-term viability of the tea industry. The changing climate is causing a shift in the suitability of areas where tea is grown, which could lead to significant declines in production in some regions.
The ITA has warned that future projections indicate a substantial reduction in suitability for tea cultivation in these areas.
Lower yields and production costs
The Indian Tea Association (ITA) has warned that climate change is having a significant impact on the global tea industry, leading to lower yields and higher production costs.
A spokesperson for the ITA stated, "There has also been a decline in rainfall and increase in temperature in the tea cultivating regions for the last several years, ITA said."
Threatening the long-term viability of the industry
In addition to lower yields and higher production costs, climate change is also threatening the long-term viability of the tea industry.
The ITA spokesperson expressed concern, stating that "future projections indicate a substantial reduction in suitability in tea cultivation in areas where the crop is grown."
Increase in pest infestations
The impact of climate change is causing an increase in pest infestations, which is making pesticide residue management a major challenge for the industry.
The ITA spokesperson noted that "climate change is also threatening the long-term viability of tea industry, which is also causing increasing pest infestations."
Multi-faceted approach to address climate change
To address the challenges posed by climate change, the tea industry needs to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes sustainable farming practices and a reduction in carbon footprint.
The ITA has recommended that "the industry involving all the stakeholders to invest in research to come out with mitigating solutions."
Optimisation in the use of chemical fertilisers and renewable energy
The industry needs to focus on optimising the use of chemical fertilisers and increasing the use of renewable energy. The ITA has urged the industry to "adopt sustainable farming practices and reduce carbon footprint" to mitigate the impact of climate change.
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