Most of the tea produced in the world is from countries which border the Indian Ocean (Sri Lanka, Kenya, and India to name a few).
High seasonal rainfall caused by monsoonal weather patterns have been vital for agricultural pursuits in this region – going back centuries.
The monsoon was a regular and expected occurrence, leading to seasonal agricultural activities such as seeding, planting, cropping, harvesting etc.
However over the past decade the monsoons have not been as predictable and dependable and the average total rainfall has declined.
In an ironic twist however the intensity of wet spells (storm and wind activity leading to flooding and earth slips) and the frequency of dry spells during the monsoon period, has increased!
Apart from affecting production in the areas dependent on monsoonal rains the traditional ‘seasons for tea’ during which the flavours from a particular area are enhanced and therefore eagerly sought by buyers, have varied.
The changes in weather and rainfall have therefore affected not only the production but also the flavour of tea produced.
Surely another reason to limit emissions which affect climate change and weather patterns?
