Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The export of Nepali tea to India via Kakarvitta border point has declined. According to the Kakarbhitta Customs Office, the volume of tea export and income decreased in the last fiscal year 2082/83 as compared to the previous year.

According to the statistics of the Customs Office, 13,045 metric tonnes of tea worth Rs 3.52 billion was exported in the year 2082/83 while 15,311 metric tonnes worth Rs 4.16 billion was exported in the year 2081/82.

With the decrease in volume, the income from export declined by Rs 639.68 million. Chief Customs Administrator Shivalal Neupane said tea is second only to cardamom in the border point.

As India is the main market for Nepali tea exports, the export has been affected due to price fluctuations in the Indian market, non-customs barriers seen in course of quality testing and changes in production and pricing as per the demand of the international market.

A major chunk of CTC and orthodox tea produced in Nepal reaches the Indian market via Kakarvitta border point. The decline in exports is expected to affect tea farmers, industrialists and the overall foreign trade deficit.