In Nepal, coffee was introduced by a Monk, who brought the seeds from Burma in 1939. Early in 1994 Ujjal Rana, the very charismatic owner of the farm started this coffee plantation project. He chose a region that happens to be the northernmost coffee project in the northern hemisphere, 70 km north of Kathmandu. The plantation is situated on the banks of the snow-fed Trisuli River, irrigating the fields and washing the parchment. At this latitude, this is a very unusual frost-free valley in the northern belt of Nepal.
Introducing coffee to Plantec Coffee Estate was certainly an adventure-filled project. Originally, the farm looked rather deserted and was used for rice production. Now, after years of hard work and dedication, the farm looks more like a jungle. Today it contributes to reforestation, soil, and wildlife conservation, especially in connection with providing shelter to migratory and non-migratory birds as well as to endangered animals. Many of the animals have returned after several years to the vicinity. The coffee and shade trees make an excellent environment for a range of wild animals, many of whom have returned after several years to the vicinity. What's more, nowadays, there are even leopards back in the area.
The farm is also encouraging nearby small farmers to plant coffee by providing them with coffee seedlings. To foster a good relationship with the local communities, the farm also supports a local school in various ways. The project has had a considerable impact on the livelihood of the local inhabitants of this region, particularly regarding the employment and training of women. Today, Plantec Coffee Estate remains the first and only single coffee estate in the region, producing high-quality coffees which are washed with snow water from the Himalayas. This organic coffee was shade-grown, sundried, and then sorted and cleaned by hand, ensuring quality in every step.
