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With Love from Nepal to Europe: The Ginger Story

– By Prabin Gurung

The Galda Social Entrepreneurs Women’s Cooperative (SEWC) of Nisdhi, Palpa, successfully exported 4,460 kg of processed dried ginger slice to the European market this year. In April 2023, CERES certified the ginger of Galda SEWC as organic under the USDA/EU organic regulations. Galda SEWC is one the first women led agri-businesses in Nepal to receive organic certification for their produce. Last year, they sent 850 kg of ginger to Europe. The partnership with Aqysta Nepal further paved the way to the international market, allowing the cooperative to export over 4,000 kg of dried ginger slices to Germany.

Heifer Nepal supported Galda SEWC by assisting in the production, promotion, processing, and value addition of ginger. They also provided the cooperative with equipment for washing, grinding, drying, and packaging the ginger. Galda SEWC comprises 272 female members who actively collect, sell, and process ginger. The cooperative’s president, Ms. Aam Maya Mashrangi confidently states, “Our goal for the upcoming year is to export 20,000 kg of raw ginger and 10,000 kg of dried ginger to the international market.”

The installation of solar drying panels in Galda SEWC is also helping the farmers adopt climate friendly technology. “Before, we used to cut down trees and burn the raw wood to make fire to dry the ginger, which was very labor-intensive and time-consuming. Now it is so much convenient,” shares Ms. Dil Maya Saru, Cooperative Manager. The solar drying panels not only reduce deforestation but also promote cleaner energy and environmental well-being. 

Nepal’s rural economy heavily relies on agriculture, with smallholder farmers at the heart of this sector. Often, they lack efficient market linkages and face challenges transporting their produce to markets due to poor infrastructure (roads, storage facilities, etc.). As a result, they may be forced to sell their goods at lower prices or face post-harvest losses. 

Before Heifer’s intervention, ginger from Nisdhi, Palpa only reached Butwal, Bhairahawa, Pokhara, and occasionally India. However, they never received fair price, and the market was very unstable. Sometimes, they had to dispose of ginger due to a lack of demand and market monopoly. Previously, they relied on the Indian market for their produce. After successfully exporting to the European market, the farmers are now optimistic and determined to improve each day. The cooperative also plans to obtain organic certification for ginger from nearby areas such as Jamire, Mityal, Jhiruwas, and Sahalkot in the near future. 

Heifer’s intervention has significantly increased farmers’ access to inputs, services, and markets. As a result, productivity and the demand-driven supply of targeted commodities have also increased. Establishing and strengthening value chain linkages between the cooperatives, traders, markets, private sector actors, and government institutions play a crucial in the sustainability of the project. Moreover, involving female farmers in production and business trading activities has not only increased economic activities and employment but also reduced overall social conflicts, societal distress, and socially undesirable behaviors in the communities.

Pradip Sharma, Agri Value Chain Manager for Heifer Nepal shares, “We are further exploring potential pocket areas not only for ginger but also for turmeric so that we can replicate and diversify the learnings from Galdha SEWC on a wider scale.” When one cooperative achieves something remarkable—be it efficient production, sustainable practices, or innovative marketing—it becomes a beacon for others. Replicating these best practices accelerates progress.

Fostering growth, learning, and replicating success is crucial for sustainable development. When cooperatives thrive, they benefit their members and contribute to the community’s overall economic well-being. By supporting cooperatives, we create a more inclusive and resilient economy.