The third edition of International Tea Festival will be held in the Capital next month from April 6-8. The three-day event is being organised by Nepal Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB) with the aim to market and promote Nepali tea in the international market.

During a press meet, Executive Director of NTCDB Shesh Kant Gautam said, “This event will be an important step in promoting Nepal tea in the global market as it will help Nepali tea farmers and entrepreneurs gain market popularity and access.”

The event will feature 25 globally recognised tea traders from 13 countries.

The organisers are also organising tea related events at different parts of the country. A tea tasting ceremony will be held at the Mount Everest base camp on April 6 while promotional programmes will be held in Ilam from April 6-8.

“As Nepal is not just self-sufficient but also exports high quality orthodox tea to the international market, we wish to showcase the quality of Nepali tea during the event,” said Udaya Chapagain, chairman of Organising Committee of the Festival, adding, “Demand for Nepali tea is increasing.”

Nepal Tea trademark will also be formally launched at the Tea Festival. This is expected to help Nepal boost exports of its orthodox tea, which is gaining popularity across the world as it contains antioxidants and less caffeine.

After the conclusion of festival, organisers will hold a tour for delegates of the festival around tea gardens in eastern Nepal from April 9-12,.

 Tea is produced in over 26,000 hectares located mostly in districts of the eastern part of Nepal like Ilam, Jhapa, Panchthar, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, and Terathum. However, tea production in growing in other parts of the country, including even Terai districts.

The annual production is over 24 million kg of tea, of which about 5.5 million kg is Orthodox tea. Orthodox tea is mostly produced in the hilly region and is known for its aroma, fruity flavour and tippy appearance. Crush-Tear-Curl (CTC) tea is known for its strong and bright appearance and is grown in the low lands of Terai.

The event is being organised at a moment when various stakeholders have voiced the lack of technology and expertise of the Nepali tea industry, which they believe is the primary hurdle to promote the Himalayan product globally.

Over 21,000 farmers are involved in tea farming in Nepal. Small tea farmers produce over 80 percent of the orthodox green leaf. Over 80,000 Nepalese are employed as farmers, entrepreneurs and distributors of the tea industry. Nepal currently exports tea worth Rs2.5 billion per year.

The event’s associate partners are Himalayan Orthodox Tea Producer’s Association , Himalayan Tea Producers Cooperative, Specialty Tea Association Nepal, Central Tea Cooperative Federation Nepal and Nepal Tea Planters Association. The slogan of the event is Discovering Hidden Treasure.