Climate Change Poses Significant Threat to Nilgiri Tea Plantations
Impact of Climate Change on Tea Cultivation
Udhagamandalam, July 27 - The rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns due to global climate change, along with the phenomenon of 'super El Niño', are presenting unprecedented challenges for tea plantations in the Nilgiri district, as reported by an official on Monday. The official noted that the frequent harvesting of young tea leaves means that even minor climate changes can directly affect the growth of these leaves, the length between nodes, harvesting times, production levels, the long-term health of the plants, and the overall quality of the tea.
The official further explained that climate change driven by human activities has exacerbated these issues in plantation-based agricultural sectors. Additionally, problems such as rising average temperatures, uneven rainfall distribution, prolonged droughts, frost, hailstorms, intense rainfall events, and changes in the timing of pest and disease outbreaks are becoming more prevalent. According to P. Murugesan, a consulting officer at the United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) Tea Research Foundation Regional Centre in Kannur, 'Tea production in South India, particularly in the Nilgiri region, does not solely depend on the total annual rainfall but also on the timing and distribution of that rainfall.'
Even if the total annual rainfall remains normal, an increase in the number of dry days and a rise in intense rainfall events over short periods can lead to a significant moisture deficit crucial for farming. In his research paper titled 'Super El Niño: Prevention and Adaptation Strategies for Nilgiri', Murugesan stated that tea (Camellia sinensis) is highly sensitive to even minor environmental changes. He emphasized that key factors such as temperature, soil moisture, sunlight, and humidity determine crop growth and leaf quality. Murugesan pointed out that long-term weather data indicates that while there hasn't been a significant decline in total annual rainfall, there has been a substantial change in the timing and distribution of rainfall.
Referring to long-term observatory data from Nilgiri, he noted an increase in the number of dry days, a rise in intense rainfall events over shorter durations, an approximate 0.5 degrees Celsius increase in average temperature, and an expansion of the geographical area affected by frost and hail damage. Murugesan stated, 'As new tea buds are continuously harvested, these unstable weather conditions directly impact the length between nodes, bud development, and harvesting times. This poses a long-term threat to plant health and crop production.'
In light of the escalating threat posed by 'super El Niño', he emphasized the urgent need for adaptation measures.