International Tea Day
International Tea Day gets a thumbs up from UN
WHY IN NEWS:
Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world, after water
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:UN
For PRELIMS it is important to understand why are we celebrating this day and who are the key players !
For MAINS do you think Tea Production is still a underrated occupation in India ?
WHY INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY ?
- In 2018, over 50 lakh tonnes of tea was consumed globally, according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
- While the UN has been aware of the popularity of the drink, May 21, 2020 became the first time when it recognized and gave an official nod to International Tea Day.
- The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 21 as International Tea Day.
FIRST CELEBRATION :
- However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, celebration took place virtually, a first since 2004, when the proposal of celebrating International Tea Day was first floated by the World Social Forum.
- Over the years, several countries have observed Tea Day celebrations on different dates.
- In June 2019 the Intergovernmental Group on Tea proposed to celebrate International Tea Day on May 21 every year.
- As part of the celebrations, key players in tea production come together and make systematic plans for expansion of demand for tea, particularly in tea producing countries where per capita consumption is relatively low.
- “This day also reminds all actors at global, regional and national levels to ensure that the tea sector continues to play a role in reducing extreme poverty, fighting hunger and safeguarding natural resources” .
TEA AND CLIMATE CHANGE;
- Tea production is highly sensitive to changes in growing conditions.
- Tea can only be produced in narrowly defined agro-ecological conditions and, hence heavily impacted by climate change.
- Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are already affecting yields, tea product quality and prices, lowering incomes and threatening rural livelihoods.
- In parallel, there is a growing recognition of the need to contribute to climate change mitigation, by reducing carbon emissions from tea production and processing.
INTERESTING FACTS :
- The origin of tea plantations dates back to 5,000 years.
- Like many cultures, tea enjoys a special space in the Indian culture.
- With more than 100 varieties being consumed in the country, India is among the top four producers of tea.
- Around 90 lakh farmers from China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka depend on tea production for income.
- Currently tea is grown in more than 35 countries and supports 1.3 crore people including smallholder farmers around the globe.
The International Tea Day is an opportunity to celebrate the culture heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea.