Supporting Small Tea Farmers in Nepal

Conditions for tea growing in Ilam, eastern Nepal, are comparable to those of the world class Darjeeling tea of India just across the border, but in comparison Nepali tea has languished in obscurity and farmers and tea businesses have not been able to reap the benefits. The USAID-funded NEAT project is helping improve the quality and productivity of Nepali tea at every step of the way from farm to market. As a result of NEAT, more than 6,000 small tea farmers in Nepal have increased their incomes, and more than 10 tea companies have improved the quality of their tea and are moving into new international markets.