Tea is produced in over 26,000 hectares of land, mostly in the eastern districts like Ilam, Jhapa, Panchthar, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha and Terathum.
Production is growing even in Terai districts. Yet the country’s exports worth some Rs 2.5 billion is miniscule given that Nepal produces 24 million kg of tea every year.
In order to boost exports, the third edition of the International Tea Festival is being held in Kathmandu from April 6-8. The event, being organized by Nepal Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB), aims to better market and promote Nepali tea abroad.
It will feature 25 globally recognized tea traders from 13 countries. On the occasion, various tea-related events will also be organized in different parts of the country. The icing on the cake? A tea tasting ceremony at the Mount Everest base camp on April 6.
Nepal Tea trademark will also be formally launched at the festival. This is expected to help the export of orthodox tea, which is gaining popularity across the world as it contains antioxidants and low caffeine.
