Prospects and constraints of coffee production, processing and marketing in Syangja, Nepal

Abstract

Coffee is a major plantation cash crop in the mid-hills of Nepal. Syangja is one of the leading districts for coffee production and export in Nepal. This research was aimed at assessing the production potential, processing constraints, and marketing challenges of coffee in the Syangja district. The study was conducted in three rural municipalities of Syangja, namely Arjunchaupari rural municipality, Biruwa rural municipality, and Putalibazar municipality. A total of 120 samples were selected using a mixed sampling technique, combining purposive and random sampling methods. Face-to-face (FtF) interviews were conducted using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) and forced ranking methods. The major production constraint was infestation by white stem borer (RII = 0.846), while improper cherry picking (RII = 0.9) was the most significant processing challenge. In terms of marketing, low profit margins (0.74) and price fluctuations (0.635) were identified as key constraints. Despite challenges, Syangja has strong coffee-growing potential due to its favourable climate and high economic returns. The study highlights that coffee cultivation has strong potential to enhance rural incomes in Syangja, but existing challenges in production, processing, and marketing need to be addressed. Poor government support and inadequate market linkages have resulted in dissatisfaction among farmers. Therefore, integrated interventions, including improved pest management, enhanced processing techniques, and cooperative-based marketing models, should be introduced by the Nepal government to improve the sustainability and profitability of the coffee sector in Syangja.