Tea production in Nepal

Tea production in Nepal

Tea production in Nepal is an important agricultural industry that contributes significantly to the country's economy. Nepal is known for producing high-quality tea, which is exported to various countries around the world. This article provides a detailed overview of tea production in Nepal, including its history, cultivation, processing, and economic significance.

History

Tea cultivation in Nepal dates back to the mid-19th century when the British introduced tea plants from neighboring Darjeeling, India. The favorable climate and fertile soil of the hilly regions in Nepal proved to be ideal for tea cultivation. Initially, tea production was limited to small-scale plantations, but it gradually expanded over the years.

Cultivation

Tea is primarily grown in the eastern and central regions of Nepal, including Ilam, Jhapa, Dhankuta, and Kaski districts. These areas have the perfect combination of altitude, rainfall, and temperature required for tea cultivation. The tea plants thrive in the cool climate and well-drained soil found in these regions.

The most commonly cultivated tea variety in Nepal is Camellia sinensis, which is used to produce both black and green tea. The tea bushes are usually planted in rows on terraced slopes to optimize sunlight exposure and facilitate easy plucking of the tea leaves.

Processing

Tea processing in Nepal follows a similar method to that of Darjeeling tea. After the tea leaves are plucked, they undergo several stages of processing, including withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. The withering process involves spreading the leaves on large trays to remove excess moisture. Rolling is done to break the cell walls of the leaves, which initiates the oxidation process. The level of oxidation determines whether the tea will be black or green.

Once the desired level of oxidation is achieved, the leaves are dried using hot air or by firing in large pans. This helps to preserve the flavor and aroma of the tea. After drying, the tea leaves are sorted based on their size and quality.

Economic Significance

Tea production plays a vital role in Nepal's economy, providing employment opportunities to thousands of people, especially in rural areas. The tea industry contributes significantly to the country's export earnings, with Nepali tea gaining recognition for its unique flavor and quality.

Nepal's tea is exported to various countries, including the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The demand for Nepali tea has been steadily increasing due to its organic cultivation practices and sustainable production methods.

See also

• Tea
• Darjeeling tea
• Tea production in India

External links

• Nepal Tea
• Nepal Tea Board