Chai connects India across class, caste, and geography. From Assam workers to Mumbai commuters, tea shapes daily life. However, climate change now threatens this routine deeply. According to the Tea Board of India, production dropped by over 90 million kg in 2024. Therefore, this decline marks the sharpest fall in recent years.
Climate Change Disrupts Tea Growth
Tea requires precise conditions to grow properly. It grows best between 18C and 30C. However, even small temperature changes disrupt yield and quality. Erratic rainfall also harms growth cycles significantly. Normally, workers pluck leaves every five to six days. However, weak monsoons slow growth and reduce moisture levels.
Rising Temperatures Hit Major Tea Regions
Assam produces around 50 to 55 percent of India’s tea. Therefore, disruption there creates national concern. Ideally, Assam tea grows at 27C. However, temperatures now reach 36C in Guwahati. Additionally, Cachar, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh see 40C to 41C regularly.
Darjeeling Faces Severe Decline
Darjeeling shows an even sharper decline. Production across 87 estates dropped from 14 million kg to 5.25 million kg in 2025. Moreover, quality also suffers heavily. Tea flavour depends on polyphenols and amino acids. These compounds require stable climate conditions.
Quality Crisis Impacts Revenue
Climate shifts disturb chemical formation in tea leaves. Therefore, tea may grow but loses taste and aroma. Consequently, weaker tea fetches lower auction prices. This quality drop hits earnings harder than production loss alone.
Future Looks Uncertain for Chai
Experts warn that losses now grow extreme and irregular. If trends continue, production areas will shrink further. Consequently, tea may become expensive or even rare. Although agroforestry offers some support, it cannot replace tea fully.
Adaptation Is the Only Way Forward
Tea supports a massive workforce and drives export revenue. Therefore, replacing tea remains unrealistic. Instead, adaptation remains the only practical solution. However, adaptation needs time, investment, and policy support. Meanwhile, every season of damage reduces future possibilities.
