The International Tea Day is observed on May 21 every year. The day is known to create awareness about safe working conditions for the tea workers, fair trade and a sustainable environment to improve. The Day will promote and foster collective actions to implement activities in favor of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
History of International Tea Day
The United Nations General Assembly has designated May 21 as International Tea Day based on a proposal moved by India at the FAO Intergovernmental Group (IGG) on Tea in October 2015. Before 2019, December 15 is celebrated as International Tea Day in tea producing nations such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, India and Tanzania.
The first International Tea Day was held in Delhi, India in 2005. It was in 2015 that the Indian government proposed the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation to expand this day globally. The day is observed in the month of May because it is during this time of the year that tea production begins in most countries.
Tea – Importance
Tea is a beverage made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Tea is the world’s most-consumed drink, after water. It is believed that tea originated in northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China, but the exact place where the plant first grew is not known. Tea has been with us for a long time. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago.
Tea production and processing constitute a main source of livelihood for millions of families in developing countries and is the main means of subsistence for millions of poor families, who live in a number of least developed countries.
International Tea Day Theme
21st May 2022 is the third International Tea Day. This year, the theme is “Tea and Fair Trade”. The primary purpose of this theme is to promote the economical values of tea, especially in its growing areas. These tea-producing areas are poverty-ridden and tea fair trade will not only improve their resources but also expose their product to the international market. This will be helpful in the eradication of their poverty.
The International Tea Day is observed on May 21 annually to create awareness about fair tea trade, a safe working environment for the tea workers, and a sustainable habitat to improve tea production. Additionally, Tea Day is observed on 21 May because during this time of the year tea production begins in multiple countries. The first International Tea Day was celebrated in 2005 in Delhi, India. But, the Indian government proposed the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2015 to celebrate Tea Day globally.
Conclusion
Tea production is highly sensitive to changes in growing conditions. Tea can only be cultivated in particularly defined geographical areas. Hence, few countries are suitable for tea cultivation. But many of these countries are impacted by climate change.
Temperature change, drought, and rainfall are already affecting tea yields, quality, and prices, thus lowering the incomes of rural livelihoods. Therefore, tea-producing countries should come together to face climate change impacts and adopt advanced tea-producing technology with their national tea development strategies.
