Prolonged dry spells, change in the pattern of rain distribution, rising number of pest outbreaks, and a higher frequency of hailstorms are not helping the already struggling tea industry. Abnormal weather has proved to be drastic for this sector, with total area of crop damage increasing every year since 2005.
Climate change impacts photosynthesis and overall crop productivity. Although the actual effects vary from region to region, the damaging nature of abnormal weather patterns is widely acknowledged.
B. Radhakrishnan, director, Tea Research Foundation of the United Planters’ Association of South India, has written a paper called ‘Climate Change and its Impact on Tea Plantations’. The paper clearly states that while there has been no significant change in the quantum of rain being received, overall distribution of rain has taken a hit.
Owing to changes in overall rainfall distribution pattern, the temperature over plantations areas rose by 0.5°C. Also, tea plantations fell victim to increased number of dry days and hailstorms.
If this was not enough, untimely rains only worsened the situation. Due to excessive clouding, plantations failed to receive optimum amount of sunshine. As a result, pest outbreaks multiplied and a major portion of standing crops were devoured.
After all learning about the struggles of the tea industry sector, it comes as no surprise that total area damaged due to hailstorms rose from 110 hectares in 2005 to 650 hectares in 2009. We’re no tea experts, but that’s a lot of steaming cup of teas destroyed due to unruly weather conditions. Hopefully, a concrete solution is 'brewing' somewhere and will present itself before it is too late.
(Featured Image Credit: manahotels.com)
