Nepali tea and coffee are growing in popularity internationally. It shows a favorable trend for the country’s agriculture industry. According to the National Tea and Coffee Development Board, Nepali coffee exports were 77 metric tons in fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23). It was a slight increase over the previous year’s 72 metric tons, worth Rs 96 million. This expansion shows Nepal’s growing involvement in the coffee business.
Image source: The New York Times
The board is presently collecting data for the current fiscal year, 2080-81 BS (2023-24). However, while coffee imports into Nepal fell significantly—from 450 metric tons worth Rs 320 million in 2078-79 BS (2021-22) to Rs 100 million the following year. The local output grew due to better agricultural conditions and the development of coffee-growing regions. Nepal now cultivates coffee on 3,659 hectares, with approximately 33,000 farmers participating.
Nepal’s international coffee demand is around 14,000 metric tons, with commercial coffee fields spread throughout 43 districts, including Gulmi, Palpa, Lalitpur, and Kaski. Tea exports have also grown steadily, hitting Rs 3.8 billion in 2078-79 BS and increasing by Rs 140 million the following year. Nepal’s tea business presently includes 161 companies and employs over 60,000 people. It greatly improves the agricultural economy.
These positive trends indicate Nepal’s ability to strengthen its position in the worldwide market. It benefits both farmers and local enterprises.
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