Bhadrapur, Jan 21: The Mechi Customs Office has recorded a remarkable 55.7% increase in tea exports during the first six months of the current fiscal year (2081/82). Tea exports reached nearly Rs 3 billion during this period (Saun-Poush), marking a significant rise from last year's Rs 1.90 billion.

According to Information Officer Ganapati Kandel, a total of 11,232 metric tons of tea were exported through the Mechi Customs Office in the past six months.

Aditya Parajuli, Chairman of the Tea Producers' Association, hailed the surge as a positive trend for tea exports. He attributed the increase to a decline in tea production in India and emphasized that with further government support, especially given the rising demand in the Indian market, Nepal could increase its tea exports even more.

The Mechi Customs Office also reported a 16% increase in the export of black cardamom, generating Rs 4.55 billion, compared to Rs 3.90 billion last year. Additionally, plywood exports saw a 27.9% rise, and cement clinker exports also increased.

On the other hand, exports of iron, chhurpi, ginger, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage showed a decline during the same period.