Floods and Climate Risks Threaten Assam's Tea Industry
Floods and Climate Risks Threaten Assam's Tea Industry
IN · Published Aug 31, 2026
Assam's tea industry is facing significant challenges due to climate-related risks, including flooding, excessive rainfall, and heatwaves.
At least 30 tea gardens have been affected, with 11 severely damaged earlier in the season.

Impact & Risks

The floods and climate volatility have severely impacted tea production, with an estimated 8% decline in July and a similar drop expected in August. Submerged tea bushes may take considerable time to recover, affecting livelihoods in Assam's tea-growing regions. Small tea growers, who contribute significantly to production, are particularly vulnerable due to weaker financial buffers. Falling prices and rising costs have created liquidity stress for estates, threatening their economic viability. Export challenges, including geopolitical and logistical issues, further exacerbate the situation, making the industry more susceptible to global market fluctuations.

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