Mechi, October 18, 2024 – Nepal’s tea exports have seen a significant rise in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, with a 36% increase in volume compared to the same period last year, according to the Mechi Customs Office. A total of 6,426 metric tonnes of tea were exported during the first three months.

Ganapati Kandel, Information Officer at Mechi Customs Office, revealed that in terms of value, tea exports surged by over 50%, generating Rs 1.71 billion in revenue. This boost has been attributed to reduced tea production in India, as explained by Aditya Parajuli, Chairman of the Nepal Tea Producers Association. Parajuli expressed optimism that Nepali tea exports could grow even further with greater government support and facilitation.

However, while tea exports soared, the export of cardamom declined drastically by 49% during the same period. Only 783 metric tonnes of cardamom were exported, a sharp decrease from 1,525 metric tonnes exported in the first quarter of the last fiscal year.

In addition to tea, the Mechi Customs Office reported impressive increases in the export of plywood, broom grass, and veneer sheets, while the exports of ginger, iron, Chhuri (a type of traditional knife), and vegetables showed a downward trend.

The contrasting fortunes of different export commodities reflect the complex dynamics in Nepal’s agricultural export sector, with weather conditions, international demand, and production fluctuations playing a significant role.