Tea Exports Surge by 36% in First Quarter, Cardamom Exports Plummet by 49%

Tea exports from the Mechi Customs Office surged by 36% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year, with a total of 6,426 metric tonnes exported.

According to Information Officer Ganapati Kandel, the value of tea exports increased by over 50%, amounting to Rs 1.71 billion. Aditya Parajuli, Chairman of the Nepal Tea Producers Association, attributed the rise to reduced tea production in India and expressed optimism for further growth with more government support.

In contrast, cardamom exports saw a steep decline of 49% during the same period, with only 783 metric tonnes exported compared to 1,525 metric tonnes last year. Meanwhile, the Mechi Customs Office reported a significant rise in exports of plywood, broom grass, and veneer sheets, though ginger, Chhuri, iron, and vegetable exports decreased.

The positive trend in tea exports highlights the potential for growth in Nepal’s agricultural sector, while the decline in cardamom and other products suggests a need for policy adjustments to support these industries.