Tea farmers hamstrung by closure of processing plant.

A decade ago, Lokendra Poudel and other tea farmers in the eastern hill district of Dhankuta decided to build a tea factory so they wouldn't have to send their green tea leaves outside and constantly haggle with traders.

The plan materialised and the factory opened in Pakhribas Municipality-4, Ramche. Operated by Ramche Organic Tea Producers Cooperative, it gained fame for making the best organic tea in the area, and demand for its products rose.

But the good times didn't last long. A few years later, the factory began coming apart due to internal conflict, mismanagement and opaque transactions. Six months ago, the factory known for its fine organic tea shut down.

Farmers say their investments are at risk.

"I contributed 2 ropanis of land and Rs800,000 in cash to establish the factory," said Poudel. "We had hoped that the factory would be a big relief to tea farmers as it would pay...