Coffee Cultivation Transforms Livelihoods in Bhojpur, Nepal

Bhojpur. Coffee farming, which was limited to a few plants until some time ago, has now begun commercial cultivation here. Farmers in the region have started commercial coffee farming after establishing market access. This has now become the main source of income for the farmers here. With the coffee produced being sold directly from home, the hassle of farmers searching for markets has reduced, and their income has also increased.

Farmers in areas including Sindrang, Homtang, Lungin, and Lungthung in Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality, Khoksik in Ramprasadrai Rural Municipality, Aamchowk Rural Municipality, Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, and Shadananda Municipality are expanding coffee cultivation. The soil, climate, and geographical structure of these areas are considered suitable for coffee production.

Surendra Kumar Udhas informed that a program worth approximately NPR 33 million is being operated in the current fiscal year through a special grant from the Federal Government and cost-sharing by farmers for the expansion of coffee cultivation. According to him, cultivation is being expanded systematically after identifying areas suitable for coffee. Coffee promotion programs are operational in all 14 wards of the municipality.

Farmers in Khoksik, Ramprasadrai Rural Municipality-8, have started collective coffee farming on an area of 22 ropanis. Farmers who were dependent on traditional crops like maize and potatoes are now moving towards income-generating and export-oriented farming. Local farmer Manoj Rai stated that Khoksik has a suitable geography for coffee farming and that better income can be earned from coffee compared to other crops.

Local coffee entrepreneurs claim that the coffee produced here is exported abroad via Dharan, Itahari, Biratnagar, and Kathmandu. It is mentioned that there is a good demand in the international market, especially for organic coffee.

Coffee seller Sunil Shrestha informed that production has also increased as farmers have engaged in commercial farming in recent times. Farmers' experience suggests that one well-bearing coffee plant can yield 25 to 30 kg of produce. He added that the volume of coffee exported from here is also increasing as cultivation expands.

Local experts suggest that the expansion of coffee cultivation will not only increase farmers' income but also strengthen the agricultural economy of the district.