Guwahati: Assam’s tea industry, the backbone of the state’s economy and a major contributor to India’s global tea exports, is facing mounting concern as a prolonged four-month dry spell continues to grip key tea-growing districts.
After heavy rainfall through much of 2025, Assam has recorded almost no significant rain since late October, leading to drought-like conditions across the Brahmaputra Valley.
With the crucial early flush season set to begin in March, planters warn that production could be delayed and yields adversely affected.
Bidyananda Barkakoty, adviser to the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), said the rainfall deficit has been observed across all tea-growing districts of the state.
“Tea estates in Assam have not received rainfall for the last four months. Due to this drought-like situation, the first flush of Assam tea is likely to be delayed this year,” he said.
Tea bushes require consistent soil moisture and mild humidity for healthy growth. Extended dry spells stress the plants, slow leaf development and increase vulnerability to pests.
In previous similar conditions, leaves have turned black and dried in several gardens, affecting both yield and quality, including premium varieties for which Assam is globally known.
The current crisis follows a pattern of erratic weather linked to climate variability. In 2025, prolonged dry conditions from mid-March contributed to a sharp production decline, with some reports indicating a 20 to 25 per cent drop in output in June compared to the previous year.
National tea production figures reflected the strain, with Assam, which accounts for a substantial share of India’s total output, bearing a significant impact.
Journalist and environmental activist Apurba Ballav Goswami noted that the ongoing dry spell has severely affected soil moisture levels and plant health across the Brahmaputra Valley.
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He said the absence of rainfall during this critical pre-flush period could disrupt preparations for the upcoming harvest season.
While no official estimate has yet specified the exact number of estates impacted, industry experts describe the situation as widespread and severe.
Assessments are ongoing, but concerns extend across both large registered gardens and small growers.
Assam has around 800 large tea estates and more than one lakh small tea growers spread across districts such as Jorhat, Sonitpur, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.
Key tea-producing areas including Doomdooma, Panitola and Tengakhat have also reported stress due to soil moisture deficits.
The tea sector supports hundreds of thousands of workers and underpins the rural economy in Upper Assam.
Reduced yields could strain both small growers and major estates, with potential ripple effects on employment and local incomes.
A tightening of supply may also influence domestic and international tea prices if the situation persists.
With climate patterns growing increasingly unpredictable, planters say sustainable irrigation infrastructure and climate-resilient practices are no longer optional but essential to safeguard the future of Assam’s iconic tea industry.
