BHOJPUR: Farmers in Bhojpur have shifted from traditional plantation practices to commercial coffee farming, turning it into a growing source of income after securing reliable market access.
With traders purchasing coffee directly from farms, producers say marketing challenges have eased and household earnings have increased.
Coffee cultivation has expanded in areas including Sindrang, Homtang, Lungin and Lungthung of Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality, as well as Khoksika in Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality, Amchowk, Pauwadungma Rural Municipality and Shadananda Municipality. The soil composition, climate and topography of these regions are considered well suited for coffee production.
According to Surendra Kumar Udas, a Rs 33 million program is being implemented in the current fiscal year to promote coffee expansion through a special federal grant and cost-sharing by farmers.
He said cultivation is being expanded in a planned manner after identifying suitable zones, with promotion programs underway in all 14 wards of the municipality.
In Ward-8 of Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality, farmers in Khoksika have begun collective coffee farming on 22 ropanis of land. Local farmer Manoj Rai said many growers who once depended on maize and potatoes are now switching to export-oriented coffee farming, which offers better returns.
Entrepreneurs say the district’s organic coffee is exported via Dharan, Itahari, Biratnagar and Kathmandu to international markets, where demand remains strong.
Coffee trader Sunil Shrestha said production has risen as more farmers adopt commercial practices, noting that a well-grown plant can yield 25 to 30 kilograms of coffee. Export volumes are also increasing alongside expanded cultivation.
Agriculture experts believe the growth of commercial coffee farming will boost farmers’ incomes and contribute to strengthening the district’s agricultural economy.
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