Sindhupalchowk, Dec. 29: Coffee farming in Sindhupalchowk has emerged as a strong source of income, with annual transactions exceeding Rs. 30 million. According to Mandu Thapa, Chairperson of the Sindhupalchowk Coffee Cooperative Union Limited, the income is generated from coffee produced by farmers across the district.
The Coffee Cooperative Union was established in 2012, bringing together 64 groups and eight cooperatives from three municipalities and nine rural municipalities. Prior to this, coffee cultivation had been promoted through farmers’ groups since 2005. Following the formation of the union, coffee farming in the district has expanded rapidly.
The union has been actively supporting coffee production, processing, organic certification, and marketing at both national and international levels. Through training, technical support, and encouragement, many farmers have been motivated to take up coffee farming. At present, coffee produced by 22 groups and 12 cooperatives is being supplied to domestic as well as international markets.
Organic coffee from Sindhupalchowk is exported to countries including Japan, Korea, Australia, and the United States. Distribution is handled by companies such as Green Cup Japan, Beautiful Coffee in Korea, Himalayan Coffee in Australia, and a coffee business in the United States. The coffee is marketed under the brand name Sindhu Organic Coffee.
The district currently has 29 coffee collection and processing centres and 10 processing buildings. According to union data, 2,150 farmers are engaged in organic coffee production across 124 hectares of land. Annual production has reached around 3,000 kg of dry parchment coffee, a significant increase from just 400 kg of dry cherry coffee recorded in 2005/06.
After sales, profits are distributed to farmers in the form of bonuses. The union has also supported farmers by constructing processing centres, providing machinery and equipment, distributing coffee and fruit saplings, offering grants, and assisting with irrigation facilities.
Beyond coffee production, the union has contributed to social welfare by providing relief materials during disasters, supporting education and healthcare, assisting communities affected by earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic, and donating educational materials to schools.
With guaranteed markets and timely payments, farmers have seen improved and stable incomes. Many now earn between Rs. 200,000 and Rs. 1 million or more annually from coffee farming. Notably, Yam Bahadur Mahat of Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality-10, Bed Prasad Paudel of Bhaktapur-4, and Mun Bahadur Pandit of Helambu Rural Municipality each earn over Rs. 1 million per year from coffee. Chudamani Pyakurel of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality-3 earns more than Rs. 600,000 annually.
To promote coffee consumption locally, a Beautiful Café has been opened in Chautara Sangachokgadhi. The Sindhupalchowk Coffee Cooperative Union Limited has played a key role in strengthening the coffee value chain and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Recognising its contribution, the National Tea and Coffee Development Board honoured the union this year as the Outstanding District Coffee Cooperative Union. Last year, the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs of Nepal awarded it the title of Best Exporter. The union has also received the Excellent Value Chain award and ranked first nationwide for its achievements in coffee testing.
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