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In recent years, the Nepali tea industry has faced relentless assaults orchestrated by the political echelons of India's tea sector. These attacks, steeped in baseless slander, false narratives and propaganda, aim to overshadow Nepal's burgeoning tea sector.
This calculated onslaught on Nepal's tea industry coincides with its ascent in global markets, including neighbouring India, where its young clonal varieties, delicate flavours and unmatched taste pose a threat to India's hegemony.
Despite India's dominance as a global tea powerhouse, its imports from Nepal represent a mere fraction of its total production, barely tipping the scales at 1 per cent. Yet, the political machinery within India's tea sector has exaggerated this insignificant figure, launching unfounded allegations and misinformation campaigns to stifle Nepal's growth.
The reality is stark: while Nepal's tea industry thrives, offering teas increasingly favoured by consumers worldwide, India's own tea plantations suffer from aging bushes and diminishing quality. Nepal's emergence as a formidable player in the global tea market naturally challenges India's dominance, prompting political maneuvers within India's tea sector to suppress competition.
Nepali teas grace the tables of discerning consumers in the EU, USA and Japan, meticulously adhering to stringent food safety regulations. Importantly, these teas enter India through the FSSAI protocol established by the Government of India, yet face unwarranted scrutiny and barriers.
It is abundantly clear that the disparagement of Nepali tea by certain quarters of India's tea sector is not borne out of genuine concerns but from a desire to maintain dominance and control. Instead of embracing healthy competition and striving for excellence, political interests have fueled a smear campaign against Nepal's burgeoning tea industry.
Despite these political maneuvers, the allure of Nepali tea continues to captivate consumers worldwide, reinforcing its position as a formidable contender in the global tea landscape.
As India boasts of its democratic values and commitment to fair competition, it is disheartening and condemnable to witness the political suppression of Nepal's tea industry. Such actions not only tarnish the reputation of India's tea sector but also hinder the growth and prosperity of Nepal's economy. Rectifying this situation is imperative to foster a fair and equitable tea industry, ensuring the mutual benefit of all stakeholders involved.
