To support tea farmers in Rize Province during drought conditions exacerbated by climate change, several measures are being implemented:
1. Research on Drought-Tolerant Varieties
- Study Initiatives: A collaborative project between Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University and Çaykur is underway to identify drought-tolerant tea varieties. This involves importing four different tea plant varieties from Japan, China, and Azerbaijan to assess their resilience to drought conditions. The research focuses on 12 high-quality varieties preserved in Rize’s National Tea Gene Pool, which will be tested over the next three years to determine their drought tolerance and suitability for local cultivation [1][2].
- Controlled Experiments: The selected tea varieties will undergo testing in controlled environments designed to simulate drought conditions. Researchers will monitor growth rates, leaf quality, and overall yield to identify the most resilient varieties that can thrive despite water scarcity [1].
2. Sustainable Agricultural Practices
- Training Programs: Initiatives like the Rainforest Alliance’s program aim to train tea farmers in sustainable agricultural practices that promote climate resilience. This includes education on effective water management strategies, organic cultivation, and agroforestry practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity [4].
- Water Management Strategies: Farmers are encouraged to adopt improved water management techniques, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems, to optimize water use during dry periods. These practices help mitigate the impact of reduced rainfall and ensure adequate water supply for tea plants [3].
3. Community Support and Collaboration
- Local Engagement: The ongoing research projects involve collaboration with local farmers to ensure that the findings are relevant and applicable to their practices. By engaging with the community, researchers aim to provide tailored solutions that address specific challenges faced by tea producers in Rize [2][5].
- Government and Institutional Support: The Turkish government and agricultural institutions are increasingly recognizing the need for adaptive measures in agriculture due to climate change. This includes funding research initiatives and supporting farmers through policy changes aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience [1][4].
4. Long-Term Sustainability Goals
- Integration of Findings: Once drought-tolerant varieties are identified, the goal is to integrate these into existing tea plantations, helping farmers revitalize their gardens and maintain productivity despite changing climatic conditions [1][2].
- Focus on Quality Improvement: By promoting high-quality, drought-resistant tea varieties, the initiative aims not only to sustain production levels but also to enhance the quality of Turkish tea in the global market, ensuring competitiveness amidst climate challenges [2][4].
In summary, a combination of research into drought-resistant tea varieties, sustainable farming practices, community engagement, and institutional support is being mobilized to help tea farmers in Rize adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. These measures aim to ensure the long-term viability of tea cultivation in the region while safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.
Sources
[1] Scientists study drought tolerant tea varieties in Rize – Türkiye News https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/scientists-study-drought-tolerant-tea-varieties-in-rize-199284
[2] Climate change forced agronomists in Turkiye to search for drought … https://www.azernews.az/region/229585.html
[3] Tea Plants Climate Change: Adapting Cultivation https://climateperil.org/tea-plants-climate-change/
[4] Project Profile: Advancing the Sustainable Tea Sector in Türkiye https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/in-the-field/project-profile-advancing-the-sustainable-tea-sector-in-turkiye/
[5] Tea giant begins climate change mitigation and resilience field trials https://www.agtechnavigator.com/Article/2024/07/08/tea-giant-begins-climate-change-mitigation-and-resilience-field-trials/
[6] Socio-economic implications https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/9de9d599-037c-4706-bdf6-3968ba44c3ee/content
[7] Climate change brews trouble for tea industry, but circular solutions … https://news.mongabay.com/2024/03/climate-change-brews-trouble-for-tea-industry-but-circular-solutions-await/
[8] Türkiye Invests in Increasing Exports as it Shifts to Organic Production https://stir-tea-coffee.com/features/t%C3%BCrkiye-invests-in-increasing-exports-as-it-shifts-to-organi/
