Economic and Social Impact
The journey of tea from bush to cup leaves a lasting mark on both the environment and the lives of those who cultivate it. While tea production provides livelihoods for millions, it also presents significant environmental challenges, from deforestation to climate change. On the social front, tea workers often face wage disparities and harsh working conditions. This page explores these realities, balancing the challenges with the efforts being made toward sustainability and equity in the industry.
Growth in Tea Plantation Area
The steady increase in plantation area and its potential impact on deforestation and biodiversity.
Water Usage Comparison
Tea as a water-intensive crop, underlining the importance of sustainable water practices.
The tea industry in India has expanded significantly, with plantation areas growing from 560,000 hectares in 2000 to 700,000 hectares in 2020, contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Tea's high water consumption—4,000 liters per kilogram—places strain on local resources, especially in water-scarce regions.
On the social side, daily wages show stark disparities. Workers in Kerala earn ₹310 per day, while those in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh earn just ₹200, highlighting economic inequities. These charts underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices and fair labor policies to balance growth with equity.