Impacts of Climate Change: Assam Tea production falls by 10%
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Erratic climatic conditions have led to a ten percent fall in tea production in the state this year compared to last year. A meeting involving small to big tea producers in the state is on the cards with the government to find out ways to mitigate the problem under the Science, Technology, and Climate Change Department.
According to sources, in August last year, the tea production in the state was 109.81 million kg. On the contrary, tea production in August this year was 99.78 million kg. One of the reasons behind this fall in production is the fluctuating climatic conditions in the state.
According to sources, the stakeholders, including tea growers, have already taken up the matter with State Minister of Science, Technology, and Climate Change Keshab Mahanta. The minister told the growers that the government would hold a meeting with all stakeholders, including climate experts, to find ways to mitigate the unfavourable climatic changes confronting the tea industry.
According to sources, tea plantations are highly dependent on climate, and hence climate change has been adversely affecting tea production in the state for the past few years. From now on, the tea growers will have to be more dependent on irrigation or drip irrigation for their survival. That will, however, lead to cost escalation through increased labour costs, fuel costs, and now irrigation costs.
According to a survey, from 1990 to 2019, the average maximum temperature in the state increases by 0.049 degrees Celsius annually. During this period, the state observed an average decline of 10.77 mn in rainfall, leading to a rise in temperature that adversely affected tea production.
Also Watch: