Jhapa, August 7

Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Chakrapani Khanal has said the government will help organic tea farmers.

Speaking at a discussion with stakeholders, including tea farmers of Jhapa and Ilam, today, the minister also vowed to implement the tea report after studying it. “The government is serious about solving problems related to the tea sector. He added that the government was preparing to formulate a concrete plan of action to save the tea sector.

“Lately, I’ve also heard complaints related to lack of fertiliser. The government is committed to solving this problem as well,” said the minister.

At the discussion, Gorkha Tea Estate owner Udaya Chapagain accused the government of ignoring the tea sector. “So far, the tea sector is alive only due to our initiatives. The government hasn’t done anything. It has kept the report prepared by a committee to solve problems in the tea sector in its cupboard,” Chapagain said, asking the government to do the needful to ensure the report’s implementation.

Chapagain also sought concession and grant for the tea sector, saying tea export could minimise the current trade deficit significantly.