Demand for Nepali tea has increased in global market: Minister Bhusal

By Our Correspondent,Pashupatinagar (Ilam), Apr. 29: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Bedu Ram Bhusal has said that the agriculture sector should be developed to strengthen the economy of the country.

Speaking at a programme organised on the occasion of the 27th National Tea Day in Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam on Friday, Minister Bhusal said that the development of the agricultural sector could be the base for strengthening the economy.

 “For sustainable development of the country, we must first develop the agriculture sector. We should move forward with the policy of export promotion and import substitution as well,” he said.

He said that overseas exporters should be attracted to ensure the development of the agricultural sector.

Minister Bhusal said that although more than 51 per cent of Nepal’s population is engaged in agriculture, only 13 per cent of the population contributes to the national income.

He said that the government was trying to solve the problem of irrigation and fertiliser to increase the production of crops.

Minister Dr. Bhusal informed that preparations have been made to export Nepali tea to China and markets of Nepali tea would be sought in the world market.

Executive Director of National Tea and Coffee Development Board Dr. Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai said that Nepali tea would find market only if everyone showed honesty for the quality production.

He said, “Until quality tea is produced, there will be problems in marketing, so it is improve the quality of our products.”

He said that the demand for Nepali tea in the world market has increased and the process of exporting tea to China has been completed.

The Board has organised a three-day tea festival this time on the occasion of the 27th National Tea Day.

Buyers from China, America and Japan have come to Ilam to participate in the programme.