Inclement Weather Effects on Tea Production

Inclement Weather Effects on Tea Production

 Leading to Over 20 Million Kilo Loss

It  have drastically affected tea production, resulting in a loss of over 20 million kilos. Industry insiders fear that the losses might increase due to excessive rain, which has flooded large sections of tea plantations, especially in the Dooars region.

The current tea season has been plagued by adverse weather from the beginning, with production suffering significantly. By May this year, the north Bengal tea belt had already lost over 20 million kilos compared to the same period in 2023. Prabir Bhattacharjee, the secretary general of the Tea Association of India (TAI), highlighted the precarious state of affairs due to the insufficient rainfall since the start of the season.

Data from the Tea Board indicates that in 2023, 89.95 million kilos of tea were produced from January to May. However, this year, production till May was only 68.37 million kilos, marking a shortage of 21.58 million kilos. After the dry spell, industry members had hoped that pre-monsoonal and monsoonal rains would help recover the losses. Unfortunately, unusually high rainfall has led to further challenges, with rivers and streams flooding tea plantations and causing erosion in some areas.

In north Bengal, particularly in Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling districts, the southwest monsoon has brought excessive rainfall. According to the regional Met office in Calcutta, Alipurduar experienced a 95% increase in rainfall, while Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling saw 55% and 49% increases, respectively, from June 1 to July 7. Between March 1 and May 31, these areas faced a rainfall shortage ranging from 50% to 80%.

Initially, scorching sunshine had reduced tea yields. Now, excessive rainfall and a lack of sunshine have further hampered production. A tea planter explained that they have suffered losses during the first and second flush, which typically produce the best quality teas of the year.

In Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri, many tea gardens have been flooded. Streams like Nonai and Kalkut in Alipurduar have overflowed, flooding the Majherdabri tea estate. Chinmoy Dhar, the garden manager, expressed concerns about pest control difficulties due to the rain and the impact of flash floods on tea bushes. Other gardens, including Mechpara, Central Dooars, Aryaman, Tulshipara, Dhumchipara, and Joy Birpara, have also been affected by the heavy rainfall.

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How Tea is Produced

  1. Cultivation: Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) are grown in tropical and subtropical climates. They thrive in well-drained, acidic soil with plenty of rainfall.
  2. Plucking: Tea leaves are hand-picked, usually in the early morning. Only the top two leaves and a bud are plucked, as these produce the best quality tea.
  3. Withering: Freshly plucked leaves are spread out to wither, reducing their moisture content by about 60-70%. This process makes the leaves pliable for rolling.
  4. Rolling: Withered leaves are rolled to break their cell walls, releasing enzymes that help in oxidation. Rolling also shapes the leaves into strips or pellets.
  5. Oxidation: Rolled leaves are spread out to oxidize. This process, which involves exposure to oxygen, changes the leaves’ chemical structure and develops their flavor and color. The level of oxidation determines the type of tea (e.g., black tea is fully oxidized, while green tea is not oxidized).
  6. Firing/Drying: Oxidized leaves are dried to stop oxidation and reduce moisture content. This step ensures the leaves can be stored without spoiling.
  7. Sorting and Grading: Dried leaves are sorted and graded based on size and quality. Larger, whole leaves are considered higher quality, while smaller, broken leaves are graded lower.
  8. Packaging: Finally, the tea is packed in various forms (loose leaves, tea bags, etc.) for distribution and sale.

Pros of Tea Production

  1. Economic Benefits:
    • Employment: Tea plantations provide jobs for millions of people, especially in rural areas.
    • Export Revenue: Countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya earn significant revenue from tea exports.
  2. Health Benefits:
    • Antioxidants: Tea is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
    • Hydration: Drinking tea can help maintain hydration levels.
  3. Cultural Importance:
    • Traditions: Tea has deep cultural significance in many countries, fostering social interactions and traditions (e.g., Japanese tea ceremonies, British afternoon tea).

Cons of Tea Production

  1. Environmental Impact:
    • Deforestation: Expansion of tea plantations can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
    • Soil Erosion: Intensive cultivation practices can cause soil erosion, depleting soil fertility over time.
  2. Labor Issues:
    • Low Wages: Tea plantation workers often receive low wages and work in poor conditions.
    • Child Labor: In some regions, child labor is a significant issue in tea production.
  3. Chemical Use:
    • Pesticides and Fertilizers: Excessive use of chemicals can lead to soil and water pollution, affecting local ecosystems and human health.
  4. Market Fluctuations:
    • Price Volatility: The tea market is subject to price fluctuations, affecting the income stability of small-scale farmers.
  5. Climate Vulnerability:
    • Weather Dependency: Tea production is highly dependent on favorable weather conditions. Climate change and extreme weather events can severely impact yields and quality.