Concerns Raised Over Chia Export Issues to India

Nepali exporters have raised concerns over obstacles in chia exports to India, prompting lawmaker Suhan Nemwang of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre) to highlight the issue in Parliament on Wednesday for resolution. Speaking during a lull in the House session, Nemwang, hailing from Ilam district known for chia production, urged for diplomatic efforts to address export hindrances. The implementation of new regulations by the Tea Board of India has reportedly led to the creation of issues affecting various stakeholders, as stated by Nemwang, who emphasized the direct impact on farmers, laborers, industrialists, exporters, and the country's economy. He appealed to the government for immediate diplomatic action with the Indian government to resolve the export barriers in chia trade and formulate solid policies for the protection of chia farmers and industrialists. Highlighting the long history of chia cultivation in Nepal, Nemwang revealed that approximately 15,000 farmers and more than 60,000 laborers have their livelihoods intertwined with the chia industry. According to chia producers, Nepal exports chia worth around NPR 4 billion annually to India. The Tea Board of India issued new directives related to chia imports on February 10, adding to the complexities faced by Nepali chia exporters in their trade relationship with India.