El Niño casting a shadow over tea sector in Keralam as production declines
El Niño‑related rainfall deficits have led to a 2% drop in Kerala’s tea output between January and August 2026, with the worst impact in Wayanad district. The decline threatens the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the tea sector, though some estates like Penshurst in Wagamon reported modest gains.
- ✓El Niño‑related rainfall deficits have led to a 2% drop in Kerala’s tea output between January and August 2026, with the worst impact in Wayanad district.
- ✓Wayanad recorded a 53% rainfall deficit and an 8.11% drop in yield, falling to 1,133 kg per hectare from 1,233 kg the previous year.
- ✓Munnar’s yield rose slightly to 1,578 kg per hectare, Peerumade hills slipped to 1,069 kg, and Central Travancore declined by 3.8% to 970 kg per hectare.
- ✓In contrast, Penshurst Estate in Wagamon posted a 4.4% increase, with productivity climbing to 2,243 kg per hectare.
The tea industry in Kerala reported a contraction in production for the January‑August 2026 period, attributing the shortfall to the lingering effects of the El Niño weather pattern. A local industry stakeholder warned that further climate‑driven losses could jeopardise estate operations and the incomes of many workers.
Data from the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) Tea Research Foundation show total state output fell from 31.274 million kg in 2025 to 30.624 million kg, a 2% decline. Wayanad recorded a 53% rainfall deficit and an 8.11% drop in yield, falling to 1,133 kg per hectare from 1,233 kg the previous year. Munnar’s yield rose slightly to 1,578 kg per hectare, Peerumade hills slipped to 1,069 kg, and Central Travancore declined by 3.8% to 970 kg per hectare. In contrast, Penshurst Estate in Wagamon posted a 4.4% increase, with productivity climbing to 2,243 kg per hectare.
The sector supports thousands of families directly and indirectly, making the production dip a socioeconomic concern for the region. Stakeholders fear that continued climate distress could exacerbate unemployment and reduce estate revenues, prompting calls for adaptive farming practices and better water‑management strategies.
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| Issuing Authority | The Hindu National |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | BUSINESS |
| Jurisdiction | KL State |
| Publication Date | 16 September 2026 |