Darjeeling Tea’s Flavour Threatened by Climate Change

July 6, 2023: The steep hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal, India, have produced the world’s finest hand-picked tea for over two centuries. Often referred to as the “champagne of teas,” Darjeeling tea has captured the hearts of tea connoisseurs worldwide with its distinctive aroma, delicate taste, and beautiful colour. However, climate change is now threatening this iconic brew, causing concern among tea lovers and industry experts.

The Strain of Climate Change
Darjeeling offers stunning views and sprawling tea gardens at 600m to 2,000m near the majestic Kangchenjunga, the third tallest mountain on the planet. The hills provide the perfect climate and conditions for cultivating the world’s best tea. However, tea estate owners have faced formidable challenges due to erratic climatic patterns in recent years.

Unpredictable Weather Conditions
As a rain-fed crop, tea thrives within a specific range of temperatures, relative humidity, and rainfall distribution. Darjeeling’s changing climate has disrupted these factors, however. Water sources are affected by rising temperatures, droughts, and hailstorms, causing rapid wilting of tea plants. The average temperature for May 2023 was 39°C, exceeding the usual range of 10°C to 15°C. These abnormal weather patterns significantly threaten the region’s tea production.

A Symphony in Jeopardy
Tea cultivation has a delicate symphony between the sun, the soil, and the weather. A delicate balance of sunlight, rain, and wind is required to produce high-quality tea leaves. The changing climate, however, has disrupted this harmony, causing tea production to decline in quantity and quality. Although organic farming practices are commendable, increased temperatures have created additional pest infestation challenges.

An Ageing Legacy
Originally planted during the British colonial period, many Darjeeling tea plants are over a century old. Due to inadequate nourishment and nutrient deficiencies, ageing bushes are suffering. To preserve these ancient tea trees, the transition to organic farming in 2007, relying on cow manure for fertilization, must be revised. Thus, tea yields in the region have declined significantly.

Adapting to Preserve the Brew
While climate change is not an imminent threat to tea production, industry stakeholders acknowledge the need to adapt. Efforts are underway to replenish tea bushes and restore biodiversity through modern techniques, implement efficient irrigation systems, and explore rainwater harvesting. The region’s mountainous terrain complicates the successful implementation of drought-resistant clones.

Darjeeling’s tea industry is at a crossroads, dealing with the repercussions of climate change. The fragrance and nuance of Darjeeling tea, once celebrated for its unparalleled taste, are now in danger of being lost to time. Sustainable practices and innovative approaches hold the key to securing the future of this unique beverage as stakeholders unite to combat the challenges. Despite the changing climate’s mounting pressure, Darjeeling tea’s elegant style continues to be enjoyed despite the changing climate’s pressure.