Ajmeri Sultana Rahman, Rupanjali Deb Baruah, Rupak Sarma, Progyan Mahanta and Kusumbor Bordoloi
Abstract
Climate change is a critical global challenge with profound implications for ecosystems, public health, and economic sustainability. In Assam, a leading tea-producing region, the tea industry is increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of a changing climate. Tea cultivation thrives under specific agroclimatic conditions, including consistent rainfall, moderate to high temperatures, and elevated humidity levels. However, analysing historical meteorological data from the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, TRA reveals alarming trends. Between 1921 and 2023, the South Bank region of Assam experienced a significant decline in total annual rainfall, indicating a robust downward trend. Average relative humidity during morning and afternoon hours exhibited a notable reduction from 1954 to 2023, further underscoring the shifting climatic conditions in the region. To address these challenges, this study evaluates historical agroecosystem changes driven by extreme weather events and explores adaptive strategies to enhance resilience. One such intervention involves the development of rainwater harvesting infrastructure. A pilot project at Borbhetta Tea Estate involved constructing a rainwater harvesting pond and monitoring its impact on the surrounding microclimate. Preliminary findings demonstrate a statistically significant increase in humidity levels near the pond compared to other cardinal directions, highlighting the potential of water harvesting technology to mitigate climate-induced stresses in tea cultivation.