Kathmandu, July 13 -- Dog chew is fast catching up to tea in terms of export earnings, signalling a significant shift in Nepal's export landscape.

According to the Department of Customs, dog chew exports stood at Rs3.99 billion in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, just short of tea exports, which reached Rs4.20 billion over the same period.

Nepal exported 2,265 tonnes of chhurpi (hardened cheese) in this period, compared to 14,625 tonnes of tea. Last fiscal year, dog chew exports were 1,646 tonnes worth Rs3.18 billion, while tea exports stood at 13,916 tonnes valued at Rs3.62 billion.

The majority of both dog chew and tea production takes place in the eastern hill district of Ilam.

Exports of dog chew products grew by 34...