Community Food Processing Industry – Food Processing Industry in Nepal

In the western development region of Nepal, there is one hilly district named Parbat where important food crops like lapsy, gooseberry, ginger, orange, and coffee are possible to produce in abundance. Although the climate there is suitable for the production of these crops, farmers are faced with a scarcity of relevant technical knowledge. A lack of national and international marketing experience, as well as a shortage of necessary processing equipment, also exist in the district. Out of this situation, the Community Food Processing Industry (COFPI) was established in the village of Mudikuwa, Parbat in the year 2058. Our community organization spreads public awareness among local farmers regarding technical knowledge on the properties and specialties of these crops, on the importance of national and international markets, and on related opportunities. We also provide technical support in the form of seed collection, seedling nursery, and grafting. Furthermore, we teach processing skills and build local capacity in order to create opportunities for self-employment and to contribute to the reduction of rural poverty through income generating products. The COFPI seeks to create industry around agriculture and industrious farmers as well. With lapsy seeds, lapsy seedlings, grafted lapsy seedlings, a processing center, and a lapsy garden all in one place here in Mudikuwa, we have established Nepal’s first lapsy center, where all activities can be observed in one place. Times change, desires changes but if we simply maintain quality, with trust and confidence always sought, our industry will continue to be recognized.