Jorhat, July 26: Assam is currently experiencing an extended dry spell that has significantly affected tea and paddy farming throughout the region.

The tea sector has been particularly hard hit, with production in June plummeting by 20 to 25% compared to the same month last year.

Fields that are typically vibrant and green at this time of year now show deep fissures due to the lack of rainfall, raising serious concerns about the state's paddy yield.

Prabhat Bezbaruah, a seasoned tea planter and former Chairman of the Tea Board of India, has linked the steep decline in tea production to climate change, extreme heat, and insufficient rainfall.

He stated, “Tea production in Assam during June and July has been severely impacted, with June alone witnessing a 20 to 25% decrease compared to the previous year.”

Bezbaruah further noted that high temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns are major contributors to this downturn, warning of a potential rise in pest infestations due to these changing weather conditions.

He explained, “When temperatures reach 35 to 36 degrees Celsius, the tea plants struggle to absorb nutrients, leading to a reduction in leaf yield. There has been a significant increase in the population of green fly, a harmful pest. This level of weather-related stress on tea crops has not been seen in the last three decades.”

Adding to the growers' challenges, Bezbaruah pointed out the lack of governmental assistance for tea farmers.

He remarked, “While paddy farmers receive support during such crises, tea growers are often left to manage on their own, despite facing similar climatic adversities.”

Due to the extreme heat and insufficient rainfall, many tea leaves have turned black and dried out, impacting even Assam's premium varieties, which are celebrated worldwide for their taste and quality.

Bezbaruah emphasized the importance of adopting alternative, climate-resilient practices, stating, “Although we cannot reverse climate change overnight, it is essential to implement these practices. The Tocklai Tea Research Institute is already making strides in this area.”

On the export side, he mentioned that the recent conflict between Iran and Israel had temporarily disrupted Assam's tea exports. However, with tensions easing, exports to Iran have resumed, providing some relief to the beleaguered industry.