Bhojpur: In Bhojpur, where coffee plants were once only found in small quantities, commercial coffee farming has now begun. With improved access to markets, local farmers have started cultivating coffee on a commercial scale. It has now become a major source of income for many farmers in the area.
As the coffee produced is being sold directly from farmers’ homes, the hassle of searching for markets has decreased, while income has increased. Farmers from areas such as Sindrang, Homtang, Lungin, and Lungthung of Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality; Khoksik of Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality; Aamchok Rural Municipality; Pauwadungma Rural Municipality; and Shadananda Municipality are expanding coffee farming. The soil, climate, and geographical conditions of these areas are considered suitable for coffee production.
According to Surendra Kumar Udas, a program worth approximately NPR 33 million is being implemented in the current fiscal year with special grants from the federal government and cost-sharing from farmers to expand coffee farming. He stated that suitable areas for coffee cultivation have been identified and farming is being expanded in a planned manner. Coffee promotion programs are being carried out in all 14 wards of the municipality.
In Khoksika of Ward No. 8, Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality, farmers have started collective coffee farming on 22 ropanis of land. Farmers who were previously dependent on traditional crops like maize and potatoes are now shifting towards income-generating and export-oriented farming. Local farmer Manoj Rai said that Khoksika has suitable geography for coffee farming and offers better income compared to other crops.
According to local coffee entrepreneurs, the coffee produced here is exported via Dharan, Itahari, Biratnagar, and Kathmandu to international markets. There is particularly high demand for organic coffee in the global market. Coffee trader Sunil Shrestha said that production has increased as farmers have become more involved in commercial farming.
Farmers say that a well-grown coffee plant can yield 25 to 30 kilograms. With the expansion of coffee farming, the volume of coffee exports from the area is also increasing. Experts believe that the expansion of coffee farming will not only increase farmers’ income but also strengthen the district’s agricultural economy.
— RSS
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