Speculation is rife that tea production in Nepal may decline as poor rainfall until this time of the year has resulted in the inadequate growth of tealeaves. Although tea estates located in the northern part of the country have not been affected much by the drought, those in the southern part have suffered grossly. Especially, the green industry of Jhapa, which produces three million kg of ready-to-export tea, has been seriously hit by the dry spell. As tea constitutes a major part of the revenue earning of Nepal, it is estimated that the losses incurred would be massive.