Climate change putting strain on plantations in Assam
Changing weather patterns and their effects on tea output are putting pressure on plantations and their workers across India's Assam region. Uneven rainfall and higher temperatures are not only cutting yields, but are also lifting productions costs due to an increased risk of pests, which requires higher pesticide use and human intervention. With labor costs accounting for 60% of the total cost of tea in Assam, companies are reluctant to raise wages, upsetting farmers and pickers. Some companies are even exploring greater use of machines to harvest and spray nutrients or pesticides, while others are moving into cultivating other plants, such as black pepper, turmeric or ginger.