Heatwave strains Assam tea gardens and pluckers

The tea‑growing region of Assam is currently experiencing unusually high temperatures that are impacting both the crop and the labour force. Garden managers report that the heat is slowing the pace of plucking, as workers struggle with fatigue and the risk of heat‑related illnesses. Experts attribute the temperature rise to a broader pattern of climate variability that is making summer conditions more intense across the northeastern state. Tea estates are taking precautionary steps, such as providing shade, extra water, and adjusting work hours, to protect the health of the pickers while trying to maintain output. The situation highlights the vulnerability of India's tea sector to climate stress and underscores the need for adaptive measures to safeguard both yields and workers' wellbeing.