Nepal set to tap global coffee market

Impelled by growing domestic demand and prospects of overseas exports, the government has prepared a three-year strategic plan to boost the production and export of Nepali coffee.

The plan drafted by the National Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB) is currently being discussed with stakeholders, said Binaya Mishra, executive director of the board.

According to Mishra, the strategic plan is designed to increase production, enhancing and assuring quality and developing markets for Nepali coffee through strong and coordinated action by the agencies concerned.

"As farmers are key players in the production system, our plan emphasizes building the capacity of small farmers and encouraging them to take up coffee production through co-operatives," Mishra added.

Given the growing demand for Nepali coffee in the global market, the plan envisages tapping this potential and working to expand markets through a strengthening of linkage between producers and markets.

Since certification that Nepali coffee is organic and a fair trade product is very essential in the business, the government plan includes a strategy to set up an internationally accredited certification laboratory within the country.

"We are also at the final stage of approving a logo for Nepali coffee," stated Mishra. The logo will be a trademark confirming that the coffee is produced and certified in Nepal. Coffee produced in any part of the country will be marketed under this logo.

Keeping in mind a lack of skills among Nepali farmers, the plan has given high priority to skill enhancement training. It has also given strong emphasis to the development of technical human resources along with research to increase yields. nepalnews.com Feb 9 08