Kathmandu, August 27  — In a bid to expedite Nepal produced tea in global and domestic market, tea entrepreneurs have asked for a competition based auction centre to support marketing of high quality Nepali tea, uplift the tea culture and increase its demand. 

Representatives of over 50 orthodox tea production companiesacross the country gathered in Kathmandu displaying over 100 varieties of tea in a first of its kind ‘ Kathmandu Tea Competition’. Participants of the event expressed that an auction center is eminent as most of the high quality tea does not get recognition it deserve forcing the producers and farmers to sell the product in the market price. 

The completion is looked upon as an initial step from the private sector towards operating an auction centre. Here the topnotch tea will be rewarded by the jury based upon the quality of product, packaging, and` its aroma. Tea Station Inc., an organization of young entrepreneurs active in the tea sector, has taken this initiation with a hope to revive once thriving business in the country and establish the same old brand image of Nepal produced tea. 

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ram NathAdhikari, during the event, expressed his commitment to take the initiative to start a tea auction center for the marketing of Nepali tea.

Minister Adhikari said that it is a high time to find an alternative of the Indian market with Nepal’s orthodox tea to the world market. “Orthodox tea is a heritage of Nepal and it holds deep connection in our tradition and culture. Orthodox tea has the potential to stand among the best teas in the world. Now, we have to find an alternative to the Indian market with Nepali tea,” Minister said.

He further said that auctioning tea can be an alternative for expediting Nepali tea in the world market. “I will proceed by collaborating with the private sector to bring the tea auction center into operation in Nepal.”

Likewise, the minister expressed government’s readiness to invest and encourage the private sector.

The main export market of Nepali tea is India, but since India itself is a big producer of tea. This has forced Nepali tea to be exported at a fair price despite its highly aromatic flavor and high quality product. 

Tea expert Sonam Lama expressed her happiness that the youths have started the process through the auction center and tea competition to build the orthodox tea market and tea culture in Nepal. He emphasized that everyone should encourage the youth who see a future in the tea sector.

Prajwal Pradhan, chairman of the Tea Station Inc., said that the private sector and the government should support the initiatives of young entrepreneurs who are looking for a future in tea. “We have increased the pressure for the operation of the auction center by holding a tea competition for the first time. We have tried to encourage entrepreneurs. It requires full cooperation and support from the government and the private sector,” he said. Tea expert and entrepreneur Dr. Narendra Gurung said that Nepal’s orthodox tea can easily reach the world market if the auction center can be set up in Nepal. He suggested that the government should make a plan accordingly to encourage young entrepreneurs.

Similarly, tea entrepreneur Usha Subba is of the opinion that this kind of competition will encourage industrialists and will be beneficial in the marketing of tea.

According to the data from 2000 to 2015, the domestic market and per capita consumption of Nepalese tea is increasing by 11 percent annually. However, according to a survey by MarketResurge.com, the annual rate of tea consumption in Nepal will decrease by 5 to 8 percent by 2025.