Climate change eroding yields and quality in Assam
Assam tea industry is grappling with the effects of climate change, as rising temperatures and decreased rainfall threaten yields and overall leaf quality. According to Tea Research Association, which records temperatures and rainfall in the region for over 100 years, the minimum temperature has risen by 1.5 degree centigrade, and the annual rainfall has fallen by 200 millimeters. This translates into decreasing lifespan of high yields in tea bushes, from 40-45 to 30-35 years. Furthermore, climate in Assam has eroded from a sub-tropical to fully tropical, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees in shaded areas and more than 50 degrees centigrade in non-shaded spots. In this environment, photosynthesis slows and leaves stop breathing. Experts recommend increasing shaded areas, expanding water systems, using organic manure and testing tea clones resistant to climate change.