Warmer climate triggers pest infestations in Bangladesh, India tea estates

Mongabay
Mongabay
2d ago • 9 views
Warmer climates are causing increased pest infestations in tea estates in Bangladesh and India, leading to significant production losses.
Warmer climate triggers pest infestations in Bangladesh, India tea estates
A What happened
In Bangladesh and India, warmer climate conditions are leading to increased pest infestations in tea estates, significantly impacting production. Traditional pesticides are failing to control these pests, resulting in substantial losses for producers. Notably, pests such as red spider mites and looper caterpillars, which were previously minor threats, are now becoming major issues. The Bangladesh Tea Association reports a slight decrease in maximum temperatures but an increase in minimum temperatures, contributing to pest proliferation. In 2024, Bangladesh produced 93 million kilograms of tea, down from 102.9 million kilograms the previous year. Similarly, India's tea production has also declined. Experts advocate for integrated pest management strategies and improved soil health to mitigate these challenges.

Key insights

  • 1

    Rising Temperatures Affect Pest Dynamics: Increased temperatures are altering pest populations, with previously minor pests becoming significant threats.

  • 2

    Ineffectiveness of Traditional Pesticides: Current pesticide applications are largely ineffective due to rising resistance among pest species.

  • 3

    Need for Integrated Pest Management: Experts recommend integrated pest management and soil health improvement to combat pest infestations.

Takeaways

The tea industries in Bangladesh and India face critical challenges due to climate change-induced pest infestations. Effective management strategies are essential to sustain production.

Topics

Climate & Environment Agriculture Climate Change Climate Science