KATHMANDU, Feb 6: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government will take initiatives to promote and encourage the tea industry. He also assured that the government will address the problems seen in the export of Nepali tea to India.
While receiving a memorandum from the representatives of tea producers' associations in Koshi, Jhapa and Ilam districts along with the Provincial Tea Coordination Committee at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Wednesday, PM Oli assured that the government will take initiative to resolve the problem through both formal and informal mechanisms. He suggested entrepreneurs to focus on promoting and expanding the proper market for Nepali tea.
Lack of conservation area for rare tea plant
Aditya Parajuli, chairperson of the committee, drew PM Oli’s attention to the fact that the Indian government is going to make a policy arrangement to import Nepali tea only through mandatory Indian auctions, which could impact the tea industry in Nepal. He said that the country earns Rs 6 billion in foreign exchange annually from tea exports.
These organizations have requested the PM to take the initiative for the operation of an auction center in Nepal, make immediate provision for export subsidies for Nepali tea, ensure smooth electricity supply and tariff arrangements in the tea plantation areas.
