KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 4

The international demand for Nepali tea and coffee has been on a steady rise.

According to the National Tea and Coffee Development Board, Nepal exported 77 metric tons of coffee in the fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23), up from 72 metric tons valued at Rs 96 million in the previous fiscal year. Data collection is currently underway for the fiscal year 2080-81 BS (2023-24).

On the import side, Nepal imported 450 metric tons of coffee worth Rs 320 million in fiscal year 2078-79 BS (2021-22); however, this dropped significantly to just Rs 100 million in the following year-a decrease of about Rs 220 million.

Board Director Deepak Khanal noted that favorable conditions for coffee cultivation and recent expansions have led to increased production. Coffee is now grown across 3,659 hectares of land, engaging around 33,000 farmers.

The international demand for Nepali coffee stands at approximately 14,000 metric tons. Commercial coffee farming is conducted in 43 districts, including Gulmi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Lalitpur, Tanahu, Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Lamjung, Kaski, Gorkha, Syangja, Parbat, and Baglung.

Regarding tea exports, Nepal saw an increase from Rs 3.8 billion in fiscal year 2078-79 BS, with an additional Rs 140 million in exports the following year.

Currently, there are 161 tea industries nationwide, employing around 60,000 workers, according to Board official Chandra Puri.