pipeline · Climate· Livelihoods

Set up environment for operationalizing paddy processing factory

The Dumarwana Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Limited (DSFACL) is located at the central region of Nepal, in Bara district. In 1997 the cooperative was registered with 454 members and grown to 9.572 members in April 2017. Out of total members, about 8.000 are rice farmers. The livelihood of members largely depends upon the income of paddy. There is demand from members to invest in a rice processing plant and market rice on behalf of the members. DSFACL already purchased the land and constructed a building for the rice processing plant. DSFACL is currently exploring options to finance the investment. DSFACL could gain regular source of income from agri-business other than financial services. During the company assessment in April 2017, it was realized that Agriterra can add value in their envisioned plan of running rice processing plant which gives more marketing opportunities and better prices for all their members. The cooperative should focus on organizational development and development of rice processing business. This is expected to results in the realization of the paddy processing factory and a yearly processed volume of 15.000 ton paddy by end of 2019. The project plan focused on the business, finance, and organisational of the cooperative. DSFACL will take lead and Agriterra will support in implementing the action plan.Business development: conducting a workshop about the new business plan with representatives of the five service centres, government and financial institutions. Thereby DSAFCL will get to know about possibilities and commitment of the stakeholders and members. The overall goal is the sustainable establishment and growth of cooperatives’ businesses in the Quang Nam around the Green Annamites area; leading to profitable and solvent farmer-led business.