Mangalbare, February 9:

Tea produced in Sakhejung VDC in Ilam has been proved to be organic. This was proved after tea organisations -HOTPA and Himtex- had its sample tested in Kolkata, India. More than 150 tea farmers of the area have been elated after this was proved with the hope that their product will now get international market. The tea produced from the tea producer cooperatives and factory where code of conduct has been enacted was found without any insecticides. Tea produced in the area represents tea produced from Ilam as a whole, said Govind Dahal, president of District Tea Cooperatives, HOTPA and Himtex have given standard certificates to local tea producers.