GULMI: A variety testing program involving 38 different types of coffee has been launched in Gulmi under the Coffee Research Program, using organic cultivation methods.
The research is being carried out in Rurukshetra Rural Municipality, covering an area of 200 ropanis. Janardan Gautam, Head and Senior Scientist of the Coffee Research Program in Gulmi, said that a proposal has already been submitted to the Seed and Quality Control Center to recommend three coffee varieties for wider cultivation.
Alongside variety testing, the program is also conducting studies on pest management and other agronomic practices. According to Gautam, the research office still faces a shortage of skilled manpower for tasks such as selecting quality seedlings, evaluating branches and seeds, and conducting research on soil health, plant growth, yield, and seed quality.
Despite these challenges, the program is producing more than 10,000 coffee seedlings annually and distributing up to 100 kilograms of source seeds. The research initiative is also focused on fertilizer management, shade regulation, improved planting techniques, and the control of whiteflies and other pests—all aimed at enhancing coffee quality and productivity.
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