Sharad Subba’s world changed overnight. His tea factory, called Jasbire Tea Processing Factory, located in Ilam, eastern Nepal, was engulfed in flames. This wasn’t just a production unit; it was a place of over two decades of dedication, where his lifelong passion for tea came to life, and where 300-400 farmers, tea pluckers, and workers depended on their daily livelihoods. Now, as Sharad recovers in a hospital in Kathmandu, he faces not only physical and emotional pain, but also the daunting challenge of rebuilding from scratch.
But Sharad’s story is not just one of loss; it is one of resilience.
Sharad has been a long-time partner of Nepal Tea Collective, and his craftsmanship has shaped the identity of Nepali teas worldwide. His journey in tea began with long days of hard labor. Decades ago, he worked as a laborer at a tea factory, earning just Rs. 40 ($0.29) per day. But even amidst the grind of physical labor, a dream took root. His family owned a small tea garden, and he was drawn to the craft of making tea. The delicate balance of plucking, withering, rolling, and drying captured his eyes and then his heart. He wanted to do more than just labor; he wanted to create.
Nurtured by this early fascination, Sharad spent years mastering the art of tea making. However, the limitations of big factories and mass production couldn’t contain his passion and creativity. He wanted to create teas that honor nature’s artistry with a deep connection to the tea bushes, so he decided to start a small factory of his own.
Over the past 24 years, Sharad has poured his heart and soul into building his own tea factory. Through years and years of experimentation, refinement, and mastery of his craft, he has earned a reputation as one of Nepal’s most talented tea makers. His passion flourished into a bustling enterprise that followed a cooperative farming model, where farmers shared knowledge, refined techniques, and collaborated to produce some of Nepal’s finest teas. His factory was not just a place where he made teas but a symbol of his lifelong pursuit and dreams.
Today, Sharad faces an unimaginable loss. His factory is now gone, completely reduced to ashes in a devastating fire.
The fire sparked from a high-voltage panel board in the factory. It was just after 9 p.m. when Sharad noticed the flames. A worker who had completed the routine end-of-day checks had left, and the factory had been closed for the night.
Sharad, about to leave himself, noticed the panel ablaze and flames spreading across the floor. He tried to contain the fire, but within minutes, it grew too large to handle alone. The fire raged for hours until it was brought under control at 3 or 4 a.m. by the fire brigade, locals, and the police.
By then, everything, including his tea stocks, machines, and the factory itself, lay in ruins. The loss amounted to an estimated 6-7 crore rupees (approximately $450,000 USD). However, the true weight of the loss goes beyond just the monetary damages. It is the loss of a lifetime of dedication, craftsmanship, and dreams that Sharad devoted to building his legacy that make this tragedy so profound.
Before the fire, Sharad had been looking forward to this tea season with optimism. Farmers in his network had tended their tea fields with care, and they had prepared months in advance to ensure that this year’s yield would be one of the best yet.
Sharad’s loss isn’t his alone; it's one the whole community feels. Even in this moment of uncertainty, the people who worked alongside him and once depended on his factory now stand beside him. Every day, 40–50 people come to help, sometimes even 100, offering their time and effort however they can. Their support represents the deep bond shared in Nepal’s tea communities.
In times of crisis, community support is often the strongest lifeline.
When we heard about the fire, we at Nepal Tea Collective immediately mobilized resources to support Sharad in any way we could. We launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised $4,840 USD as of today, gathering the strength of our global tea community. But more importantly, every single employee at Nepal Tea Collective came together to contribute 1% of their monthly salary to help Sharad rebuild.
This effort was spearheaded by the Impact Club at Nepal Tea Collective, which was formally launched in February this year. The Impact Club was created to ensure that our business is not just about selling tea but about creating meaningful change for the people behind every tea leaf. It is a space for our team to take real action through accountability and ownership of the impact we aspire to create in our tea-growing communities.
Apart from this, the farmers and community members are also offering loans and even donating materials like steel beams for reconstruction. While they will eventually need to be repaid for their labor, right now, everything is being done on trust and community solidarity.
Some local organizations have also stepped in, providing Rs. 10,000–20,000 ($70–$140) as financial aid.
Sharad did have insurance, and he is currently in the process of submitting the necessary paperwork. While the insurance money will likely cover the costs of rebuilding the factory itself, it won’t be enough to replace the machines, tea stocks, or pay the farmers, which is where he needs the most urgent support.
Despite the devastation, Sharad refuses to give up. His tea-making craft is his life’s work, and with the support of friends, the community, and the industry, he aims to rebuild his factory by the end of Chaitra (April). But time is of the essence, and the sooner funds are raised, the faster reconstruction can begin.
For those who wish to help, every contribution, big or small, brings Sharad and his team one step closer to getting back on their feet.
As Sharad puts it, “I have the skill of making tea, and I have the courage to keep going. With support, I will rebuild and make sure that all the farmers who are helping me now are repaid.”
Sharad’s loss is immeasurable, but his spirit remains unshaken. And as long as we stand together, he will not rebuild alone.
To support Sharad Subba’s tea factory restoration, donations can be made via this link.
Every cup of tea tells a story. Let’s ensure that Sharad’s story doesn’t end with the fire but with a resilient new beginning.
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