Nepal Organic Coffee Product (NOCP)

Introduction

Nepal Organic Coffee Product (NOCP) is one of Nepal’s pioneering and leading organic coffee companies. It was registered as a cottage/small industry in Palpa in 2052 BS (1995 AD) and founded as a women-led enterprise by Shanti Devi Ghimire. Although the company began its coffee plantation in 2035 BS (1978 AD), it started processing coffee in 2046 BS (1989 AD). It is now operating as a private limited company.

Organic Coffee Sourcing and Certification

NOCP exclusively sells certified organic coffee grown on its farm co-operative and by local farmers across 9–10 VDCs in Palpa district, covering approximately 117.2 hectares. These VDCs include Nayarnamtales, Bhairabsthan, Khasyauli, Deurali, Palung Minadi, Satyawati, Bhaugha Pokhara Rathok, Tansen, Madanpokhara, among others.

Since 2065 BS (2008 AD), the company has adopted an Internal Control System (ICS) for organic certification through Organic Certification Nepal (OCN) and the Organic Agriculture Certification Thailand (ACT).

Processing and Technology

To modernize operations, NOCP has shifted its final processing facility from Madanpokhara, Palpa, to Kathmandu. The new factory includes advanced technology for parchment and dry hulling, grading, hand picking, roasting, cupping, grinding, and packaging. Despite the shift, Palpa remains the major source of high-quality raw coffee, widely recognized across Nepal.

Health Benefits of Organic Coffee

According to Coffee & Health (2004), organic coffee is beneficial in reducing fat, fatigue, pain, and the risks of Parkinson’s disease, heart and colon cancer, gallstones, radiation effects, and diabetes.

Technical Training and Experience

NOCP started its natural processing from 2046 BS (1989 AD). The company has enhanced its coffee quality through international methods of grading, hand-packing, roasting, brewing, and cup testing. The main processing technology was introduced from El Salvador and the USA in 2054 BS (1997 AD). Participation in the Specialty Coffee Association of America's trade fair in 2061 BS (2004 AD) brought additional insights into quality improvement.

Institutional Affiliations

NOCP is affiliated with:

• Nepal Coffee Producers Association (NCPA)
• National Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB)
• Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI)

It collaborated with multiple institutions, including DCPA, Highland Coffee Promotion Company Ltd. (HCPCL), Helvetas Nepal, Winrock International, PACT, and Agro Enterprise Center/FNCCI, aiming to ensure quality at every stage—from seed to cup.

Support for Coffee Producers

Recognizing that most coffee producers are from rural areas, NOCP provides tailored support, including:

• Training in nursery development, plantation, harvesting, processing, roasting, brewing, and cup testing
• Equipment support for pulping, drying, grinding, and brewing
• Exposure tours and awareness programs
• Internal Control System (ICS) support since 2064 BS (2008 AD)

Additionally, NOCP contributes Rs. 10 per kg of coffee to DCPA and cooperatives in Palpa for institutional quality control and technical support.

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

NOCP is committed to producing premium specialty coffee while promoting sustainable agriculture. It ensures traceability and quality through strong partnerships with farmers, cooperatives, and national organizations, promoting responsible practices from the farm to the final cup.