Ilam– Tea farmers and entrepreneurs in Ilam have urged the government to explore third-country markets as repeated disruptions in exports to India threaten the survival of Nepal’s tea industry.
They say India’s frequent restrictions on Nepali tea exports have created uncertainty, forcing Nepal to look beyond its traditional market.
“India should not be seen as the only option. This is an opportunity to expand into global markets,” said Grishma Subba, proprietor of Jasbire Tea Industry, adding that Nepal should pursue a government-to-government trade deal with China to ease exports.
Tea entrepreneur Uday Chapagain also backed diversification, saying Nepali organic tea has strong demand in countries including China, Europe, and the Gulf, but lacks proper government support for market expansion.
Farmers warn that factory closures during the peak tea season are already threatening livelihoods and risking large quantities of green tea leaves going to waste.
The Central Tea Cooperative Federation has called for urgent government intervention, including the establishment of a tea auction centre in Nepal and diplomatic efforts to open new export markets.
Officials from the National Tea and Coffee Development Board said resolving the crisis requires immediate government and diplomatic action, while farmers complain they are yet to see concrete measures despite repeated discussions with authorities.
