Investment opportunities in Nepal in the agriculture sector -Part VII

Tea Development

Nepal has commenced commercial production of tea only in comparatively recent times. The Nepal Tea Development Corporation, a government agency owns seven gardens with a total area of around 880 hectares. In addition the private sector owns tea gardens with a total area of around 1250 hectares. These tea growing areas are in the Eastern districts of Ilam, Panchthar Tehrathum and Dhankuta, almost adjacent to the world renowned tea gardens of darjeeling in India.

The government has given high priority to increase tae production in the Eastern Districts with a view to achieving self-sufficiency in tea and to export high quality teas to overseas market. In order to encourage tea cultivation exemption from the land ceiling law has been provided. Good prospect exist for the production of quality orthodox teas in Nepal similar to the Darjeeling tea produced in India. Improved cultural practises, latest technical know-how and efficient management systems are required to bring the tea industry in line with the other tea producing countries in the region.