Tea industry shutdown puts 60,000 workers at risk after India tightens export rules
Summary
More than 80 tea factories in eastern Nepal have shut down due to India's tightened export rules, affecting 60,000 workers and daily wage laborers amid a halted tea harvest season.
Key Points
- India’s tightened export procedures have forced over 80 tea factories in Ilam and Jhapa to halt operations.
- The shutdown has critically impacted about 60,000 workers, with daily wage laborers facing severe income loss.
- Tea leaves are withering in the fields during the peak harvest season due to halted plucking activities.
- Industry groups warn that prolonged shutdown risks long-term damage to Nepal’s tea sector and call for urgent diplomatic engagement and state intervention.
