JHAPA: The Koshi Province has reported substantial export figures for key cash crops, including tea leaves, cardamom, ginger, and broom grass in the first three months of the current fiscal year 2080-81 BS (2023-24).
According to the Kakarvitta Plant Quarantine Office, tea leaves amounting to 4,331 metric tons, valued at approximately Rs 2.6 billion, were exported to India through the East Kakarvitta point during this period. Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, and Dhanukuta are recognized as focal areas for tea production in eastern Nepal. The surge in demand for organic Nepali tea, especially in the European market, has contributed to this notable increase.
Additionally, black cardamom, ginger, and broom grass from the eastern hilly districts were also exported to India through Kakarvitta. Black cardamom exports in the same quarter reached around Rs 1.21 billion, with a quantity of 1,510 metric tons. The black cardamom is specially cultivated in loamy soils found in various districts like Ilam, Panchthar, Tehrathum, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, and Khotang, and holds a high market value.
The Kakarvitta point recorded the export of 1,793 metric tons of ginger, amounting to approximately Rs 230 million during the same period. Before export, ginger undergoes processing in Jhapa and Ilam districts to ensure quality.
Furthermore, there is significant demand for broom grass in India and Bangladesh. According to Chandeshwor Thakur, the information officer at the Plant Quarantine Office, 2,417 metric tons of broom grass worth Rs 290 million were exported in the first three months of the current fiscal year. Broom grass is primarily cultivated in the steep hills of Nepal.
(RSS)
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