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KTE'S NEW INITIATIVE:
Marketing Farmers Products:
203 small farmers of six different groups and three small gardens located in the remote area of the high hills have joined hands with KTE farmers. The farmers of these areas were unable to sell their products for the last seven years as they were not certified organic. KTE has supported them by providing organic farming practices and achieving organic certification for these growers. This certification has helped the farmers to sell their green leaf and also KTE to run the factory in full capacity. KTE has initiated for the certification of spices and herbs grown by these same farmers as their field has been already certified.
Natural Spices:
Tea and coffee takes years to grow. As some of the farmers have very small plots, KTE has been encouraging such land owners to grow spices (such as ginger, cardamom, chilli, turmeric, garlic, coriander etc.) which give return in a short period of time. KTE/SAT will take the responsibility of post harvest technology and marketing the products. This initiative will certainly create a sustainable market and help to alleviate poverty in the rural area of these hills. KTE firmly believes that this initiative will play a promotional role in the hills of eastern Nepal to develop the Agro Forestry Concept rather than mono-crop .KTE is trying to explore market for citrus fruits peel and organic banana and various native flowers such as Marigold, Globe Amarnath etc
Herbs like Lemongrass, mint, basil etc. grown around the tea growing areas also have potential market as additives to Chai. KT E is playing a demonstrative role by growing such products in its own garden and encouraging other farmers by providing seeds and seedlings.
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