Decline in Student Enrollment Challenges Tea Technology Education in Nepal
Jhapa, Nepal – The Bachelor in Tea Technology and Management (BTTM), a pivotal program offered at Mechi Multiple Campus in Jhapa, is facing a critical decline in student enrollment, impacting the future of tea industry education in Nepal.
A Challenging Phase for BTTM
In a concerning trend, the BTTM program has not welcomed new students since the year 2069 BS, despite its initial years producing 40 graduates. This downturn raises questions about the viability of tea-focused educational programs in Nepal.
Curriculum Overhaul Not Enough
In response to student concerns regarding the lack of postgraduate study options, Mechi Multiple Campus restructured the program, integrating BSc Tea Science into its curriculum and offering postgraduate studies in Botany. However, campus head Jeevan Pokharel reports that the revised curriculum failed to attract new students. The shortage of qualified educators to run the program exacerbates this issue, particularly at the postgraduate level.
Employment Outlook for Graduates
According to Keshav Kafle, Associate Professor and Member Secretary of the campus's Internal Quality Assurance Committee, BTTM graduates have successfully found employment in the tea sector within Nepal. Nevertheless, the lack of governmental recognition for tea technicians as agricultural technicians places constraints on the career growth of these individuals.
The Tea Industry's Educational Needs
Manoj Dhakal, a teacher and tea industrialist, opines that continued education might have increased student numbers, emphasizing the lack of unemployment for those with industry education. The sentiment is echoed by other industry veterans, who note the preference for experience over formal education in Nepal’s predominantly small and medium-sized tea enterprises.
The Broader Impact on Nepal’s Tea Production
Nepal is home to 161 tea factories across various provinces, with a production array that includes CTC, Orthodox, and Green Tea. While the industry employs both Nepali and Indian tea technicians, a comprehensive study on the sector's manpower needs and technology utilization is lacking, as pointed out by Dr. Deepak Khanal of the National Tea and Coffee Development Board.
Government Support and Education: A Key to Growth
Naveen Koirala, a tea technician and alumnus of the BTTM program, stresses that the decrease in student interest is partly due to the government's minimal support for the tea industry. He argues for governmental efforts to promote Nepal’s tea internationally.
Koirala further suggests that the government should facilitate the progression of tea education, ensuring that graduates have the opportunity to pursue higher education and become more valuable assets in the industry.
In Summary
The declining enrollment in BTTM at Mechi Multiple Campus has underscored the need for enhanced government support and improved industry-education alignment. As stakeholders call for action, the future of Nepal's tea industry hangs in the balance, waiting for a strategy that will nurture skilled manpower and capitalize on Nepal’s high-quality tea in the global market.
College News Jhapa
