Climate Dynamics and the Status of Tea Cultivation in Himalayan Region: Emerging Trends and Policy Implications

Abstract

Climate change has become a significant issue for India's tea industry, impacting quality and output in a variety of agroclimatic zones. This paper, which is based on review of existing knowledge, with an emphasis on the Kangra Valley, summarizes recent data on the effects of changing climatic parameters on tea production in India, namely temperature rise, rainfall variability, humidity changes, and the rising frequency of extreme weather events. Higher maximum temperatures, unpredictable precipitation, and variable sunshine duration have a substantial impact on tea yield, phenological stages, and biochemical composition, the data shows. The study finds that whereas minimum temperature has a negative link with tea production, maximum temperature and rainfall have a positive correlation with tea production, according to a correlation-based analysis of yield and climate data. Furthermore, diseases and pest infestations are made worse by climate change, which causes quality degradation and financial losses for smallholder farmers. Production difficulties are made worse by structural and socioeconomic limitations such a lack of working capital, a lack of land, and poor infrastructure. The necessity for climate-resilient agricultural techniques, such as pest control, shade regulation, adaptive irrigation management, and the introduction of heat-tolerant cultivars, is emphasized in the research. To guarantee the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of India's tea industry, policy interventions that support institutional support, research cooperation, and sustainable practices are crucial.