Tea farmers in Rize Province face several specific challenges due to climate change, which threaten the sustainability of tea cultivation in this key production area. Here are the main challenges identified:
1. Unpredictable Weather Patterns
- Drought Conditions: Increasingly erratic rainfall patterns have led to extended periods of drought, which are detrimental to tea plants that require consistent moisture for optimal growth. The recent study in Rize aims to identify drought-tolerant tea varieties to address this issue [1].
- Extreme Temperatures: Farmers have reported experiencing unusually high temperatures, with peaks reaching or exceeding 37°C (98°F) for extended periods. This heat stress can hinder the growth and yield of tea plants, as they are not adapted to such conditions [2].
2. Reduced Yield and Quality
- Declining Production: The yield of tea has been decreasing, with reports indicating a drop from approximately 860,000 metric tons of raw leaf in 2021 to 583,000 metric tons in 2022. This decline is attributed to both climate stressors and aging tea plants [2].
- Quality Degradation: High temperatures and drought conditions can lead to lower quality tea leaves, affecting the overall flavor and marketability of the product. As the plants focus on survival rather than growth, the quality of the harvest may suffer [4].
3. Increased Pest and Disease Pressure
- Pest Outbreaks: Climate change can exacerbate pest populations and disease outbreaks, as warmer temperatures create favorable conditions for pests that threaten tea crops. This leads to increased reliance on pesticides, which can further complicate sustainable farming practices [4][5].
4. Soil Erosion and Degradation
- Soil Loss: Changes in precipitation patterns, including heavy rainfall events followed by dry spells, contribute to soil erosion and degradation. This affects soil health and fertility, making it more challenging for farmers to maintain productive tea gardens [5].
5. Economic Pressures
- Rising Production Costs: The costs associated with adapting to climate change—such as implementing irrigation systems or purchasing drought-resistant varieties—can be significant. Additionally, fluctuating global tea prices can impact farmers’ profitability [3].
- Market Competitiveness: Turkish tea faces competition from other major producers like China and India, which can sell at lower prices due to lower production costs. The higher costs associated with adapting to climate change may further reduce Rize’s competitiveness in the global market [2].
Conclusion
The combination of unpredictable weather patterns, declining yields and quality, increased pest pressures, soil degradation, and economic challenges poses a significant threat to tea farmers in Rize Province. Addressing these issues through research into drought-tolerant varieties and sustainable farming practices is essential for ensuring the future viability of tea cultivation in this important region.
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] 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/
[3] 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/
[4] Tea Plants Climate Change: Adapting Cultivation https://climateperil.org/tea-plants-climate-change/
[5] [PDF] Socio-economic implications of climate change for tea producing … https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/9de9d599-037c-4706-bdf6-3968ba44c3ee/content
[6] 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/
[7] The Rich Traditions And Cultural Significance Of Tea In Turkey https://jyyna.co.uk/tea-in-turkey/
[8] Navigating the Challenges of Tea Cultivation https://jiffygroup.com/news/navigating-challenges-of-tea-cultivation/
