Coffee is one of the most loved beverages in the world. Originated in Ethiopia and made popular by Arabs it has become an integral part of modern day society. Caffeine is the main chemical substance in coffee and is responsible for the many good effects including increase in memory performance, decreased heart rate and even retarding factor in cancer. Most of the coffee is produced in Africa and South America (mostly in Brazil). In terms of agricultural product it has high commodity value. It was ranked as the agricultural export for twelve countries in 2004, and it was the world's seventh-largest legal agricultural export by value in 2005.
Mr Hira Giri, a hermit, is given credited for introducing coffee in Nepal. He bought some seeds of coffee from Myanmar in 1938 and Aapchour (Gulmi District) for the first time in Nepal. It was just curiosity based expansion until some people understand its commercial value and started its business and export abroad. Currently it has been planted in 39 districts (out of total 75 districts) in mountainous region and expanding day by day. Area of plantation has increased from135.7 hectares in 1994 AD to 1531 hectares in 2008 AD. Adjacent graph shows the current trend of production. It has increased steadily from 114 ton in 2004 to about 500 ton in 2011. This is not big amount compared to the global production which accounts 7,742,675 ton. Even India produces 288,000 ton. Given the position of Nepal with diverse climate and high altitude , Nepal can produce coffee for local consumption as well as export organic coffee which has big business in international sectors including Europe and Japan. Nepali coffee is exported to Japan, Europe and American market where organic grown coffee from Nepal is popular.
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