BHOJPUR: Aiming to begin tea cultivation in eastern hilly Bhojpur district, farmers are marching ahead with plans to start the work for the same in Dhapkharka and Suntale areas of Bhojpur Municipality.

Locals believe that Bhojpur offers fertile area and terrain to cultivate tea, for which Bhojpur Municipality has also expressed its support. Elaborating on the initiative, Daataram Ghimire, chairperson of Dhapkharka Timure Tea Garden said there is a possibility of cultivating tea in Bhojpur, just like in neighbouring Ilam and Jhapa districts, which would also add to the region’s scenic charm.

Likewise, chief of the larger tea estate at Dhapkharka and Suntale region, Bhava Krishna Tamang, informed that tea cultivation has started in wards 2, 5, 9, and 10 of Bhojpur Municipality. According to Tamang, 100,000 tea saplings will be planted on an area of six ropani at an investment of Rs 300,000.

Tea cultivation had been carried out in some rural municipalities of the district before it began in the municipality. According to Ghimire, plan is afoot to expand the municipality's tea cultivation on a sizeable chunk of land with an area of 32 ropani. The initiative aims to help farmers enhance their income and promote youth self-employment in the region.

Chair Ghimire said despite various problems, tea saplings would be ported from Tyamkemaiyum Rural Municipality to start the plantation.

Meanwhile, Bhojpur Municipality mayor Kailash Kumar Ale expressed positivity that Dhapkharka-Timure-Suntale areas should be expanded as tea zone of the district. The municipality plans to boost tea tourism to ensure smooth flow of income within the community.

As per the plan, Bhojpur Municipality would develop its own tea brand and increase the district's internal income by producing tea in empty or community lands. Mayor Ale also expressed his commitment to promote such beneficial programmes in the municipality.

(Translated by Madhavi Marasini)