White beans produced in Nisdi Rural Municipality-5 of Palpa district have been exported to Europe again this year.

The indigenous white beans grown in Galdha were first exported to Europe last year after receiving organic certification. Farmers collected the beans through the Galdha Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative, located in Dhunganabesi.

Ammaya Thapa Mashrangi, chairperson of the cooperative, said that although there was a demand for 40,000 kg from the Netherlands this year, they could send only 36,330 kg. “The export value for this year’s shipment reached approximately Rs 8 million,” she added.

The cooperative had also sent nearly 20,000 kg of white beans to Europe last year.

Mashrangi noted that they could not meet the full demand this year due to lower production levels. She explained that, as they have to compete with middlemen, some farmers sold their produce elsewhere at higher prices, leading to a shortfall in the cooperative’s collection volume.

Dilmaya Thapa, manager of the cooperative, said they have partnered with aQysta Nepal for exports to Europe and other countries. “aQysta facilitates exports after certifying the produce as organic,” she said.

Farmers report receiving better prices since exports began. Previously sold at Rs 130 per kg, the cooperative now purchases white beans from farmers at Rs 175 per kg.

The exporting agency buys graded beans at Rs 220 per kg. “While there is some weight loss during the grading process, it remains profitable for both the cooperative and the farmers,” said manager Saru. Farmers feel secure knowing their payments are guaranteed through the cooperative. The beans are processed, graded and packaged before shipment.

The pesticide-free cultivation of these beans supports an environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural system. Due to traditional organic farming practices, the local beans have now earned organic certification.

Narayani Dhungana, a farmer from Galdha, said that individual farmers earn between Rs 20,000 and Rs 200,000 by selling white beans.

Manager Saru added that the cooperative purchased beans worth approximately Rs 7.2 million from the village alone this season. According to the cooperative, the primary cultivation areas include Kathaidanda, Patangsar, Gejha, Dhanubas, Gabudanda, Kharkadanda, Bahapur, Belauji, Dhachur and Kotthar.