Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF GREEN TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS) CULTIVATION AND ITS PREVENTIVE MEASURES: A REVIEW

Jigisha Anand and Nishant Rai

Abstract

Green tea is derived from leaves of Camellia sinensis which is known for its multi potentials with significant human benefits. There has been a tremendous change in the consumption pattern of green tea. A prime drive of changing consumption pattern is the increase knowledge about and marketing of its health. However, environmental impact of its production is presently becoming a key concern. The most harmful environmental impacts are habitat conversion, deforestation of the land, soil erosion and destruction of biodiversity. Better management practices have been identified which can significantly reduce the environmental impacts of tea production. These practices emphasize on improving yields of the tea plant rather than increased planting and habitat conversion. Implementing the guidelines of these better management practices will ensure the green tea producers to encourage and increase biodiversity within their plantings because much of these biodiversity helps in reducing the need for pesticides and other harmful inputs.