Fri Nov 14 03:30:18 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

Assam’s Tea Industry Faces Existential Threat from Climate Change

Guwahati, November 14, 2025 – Assam’s famed tea industry, a cornerstone of the state’s economy and a global commodity, is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the escalating impacts of climate change. A recent report highlights the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, including prolonged heatwaves, delayed rainfall, and rising nighttime temperatures, are severely impacting tea yields and the livelihoods of over 1.2 million workers.

“We have not seen such weather-induced stress in 30 years,” said Tea Board advisor N.K. Bezbaruah, emphasizing the erosion of ecological and economic stability.

While the climate becomes increasingly hostile, tea prices have stagnated, failing to keep pace with inflation and squeezing growers already burdened by rising wages, agrochemical costs, and irrigation needs. A study by the Tea Research Association and the Ethical Tea Partnership projects that by 2050, areas currently ideal for tea cultivation will lose much of their suitability, forcing a shift to higher altitudes. Flavor and aroma, essential for Assam tea’s global competitiveness, are also under threat.

Experts are urging the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices, including drought-resistant tea varieties, soil conservation, and innovative water management techniques. Multistakeholder programs are contributing to a climate resilient supply chain by verifying 1.4 lakh small growers and reaching 6.5 lakh workers through sustainable agriculture practices, efficient water use, and integrated pest management, thus building climate resilience at scale. Economic diversification into fruits and spices, speciality and organic teas, fisheries and livestock, tea tourism, and direct-to-consumer trade can further cushion the industry against climate risks. Additionally, there is a call for increased government support, research investment, and capacity building.

With state elections approaching in 2026, the plight of tea workers is expected to become a key political issue, as concerns over rising costs, stagnant wages, and climate-driven hardship take center stage. The future of Assam’s tea industry, and the livelihoods dependent upon it, hangs in the balance.

Read More