Ilam: Preparation is underway to bring the Tea Testing and Promotion Centre constructed at Kanyam of Suryodaya municipality-7 into operation. The centre, constructed at the investment of Rs 230 million by the Koshi province government and Suryodaya municipality, is set to come into operation from December 12. Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Karki is scheduled to inaugurate the centre, according to mayor Rana Bahadur Rai.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Mayor Rai shared that this is the first tea research and promotion centre in the country. “Tea testing would be conducted at the centre and physical infrastructures are ready for tea research. We believe that the centre will be a model for the nation, not only for Ilam. All types of studies related to tea including testing the taste and quality of tea will be conducted in the centre,” he added.
Rai further mentioned that any tea entrepreneur or tea inspector (tea specialist) across the world could examine the quality of tea in the centre. The
municipality has prepared a procedure for the operation of the centre. Mayor Rai stated that tea testing would be conducted under municipal oversight while the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology would carry out research-related activities.
Tea farmers in the area are excited with the news of the tea testing centre coming into operation in Ilam, marking a significant development after around 160 years of the commencement of tea cultivation in the country.