NTDC was established as a tea processor in Ilam - a key tea producing district in 1978. [break]
The plant was closed immediately after the government leased NTDC to Tribeni Shanghai Group for 50 years in 2000. The corporation had argued that it ceased operations of the plant due to rising operation cost that weakened competitive strength of its products.
“The plant will resume operations from March,” said Subas Shanghai, chairman of NTDC. He denied allegations that the corporation´s Ilam-based plants have already been sold out.
NTDC has been processing tea leaves at a plant in Kanyam ever since the closure of the plant. It had shifted processing plants to Kanyam, Soktim and Barne from Ilam bazaar after taking over management from the government.
“We are installing machineries at the Ilam plant. The plant will also get a facelift,” added Shanghai.
The NTDC owns 79 ropanis of tea gardens in Ilam. The corporation also owns three tea gardens in Jhapa. As per the contract, The Triveni-Shanghai Group must pay Rs 328 million to the government every year.
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