Tea, a beloved and commonly consumed beverage in Pakistan, has experienced a staggering 300% price increase over the past decade, as per data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. What used to be an affordable morning ritual has now become a financial burden for many, with the cost of a single cup of tea reaching approximately Rs 50, and the monthly expense for regular tea drinkers often exceeding Rs 4,500. Given that the minimum wage in Pakistan is set at Rs 15,000, the rising cost of tea is consuming a significant portion of people’s income, leaving them struggling to manage their budgets.
Pakistan, known as the largest importer of tea in the world, spends roughly half a billion dollars annually on tea imports. To put this into perspective, if the entire country were to stop consuming tea for two years, the savings would roughly equal the last tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan that the country is desperately seeking. This underscores the magnitude of the issue, as tea has become a significant drain on Pakistan’s economy, with the rising costs affecting both individuals and the nation as a whole.
There was a time when Pakistan was a major producer and exporter of tea, but the country’s split in 1971 left it perpetually dependent on tea imports to meet its demand. Despite having suitable land for tea cultivation, local farmers are not showing much interest in this potentially lucrative industry. The initial investment required for tea plantations is high, and it takes 5 to 6 years before the tea leaves can be harvested, making it a long-term investment with delayed returns. This has further exacerbated Pakistan’s reliance on tea imports, as the country continues to grapple with the economic challenges of high inflation and a depreciating currency.
Tea in Pakistan is primarily imported, mostly from Kenya, and then blended to create the distinctive taste and strength of each brand. The process of blending and marketing adds to the overall cost of tea, making it more expensive for consumers. As the rupee continues to depreciate and inflation spirals upwards, the cost of milk, creamers, and sugar; all essential ingredients for making tea, also increases, further impacting the affordability of tea for ordinary Pakistanis. The financial strain of rising tea prices is felt not only at the individual level but also at the national level, as it puts a burden on the country’s economy and trade balance.
In light of these challenges, it may be time for Pakistan to consider the potential of local tea cultivation as a viable solution to reduce its reliance on expensive tea imports. Encouraging local farmers to invest in tea plantations, providing them with financial support and incentives, and promoting tea production within the country could not only help meet the growing demand for tea but also boost the economy by creating jobs and generating revenue through exports. Furthermore, investing in local tea production could lead to a more sustainable and affordable supply of tea for the people of Pakistan, alleviating the financial burden on consumers and reducing the country’s dependence on costly imports.
