Kavre, May 30 -- Farmers in Phalametar of Khanikhola Rural Municipality-2 in Kavrepalanchok are turning to coffee cultivation, replacing traditional crops such as maize, millet, mustard and buckwheat.

Fields that were earlier busy with seasonal maize farming are now dominated by coffee orchards. The hillsides are covered with green coffee shrubs, with new shoots growing steadily as farmers focus on weeding and plant care.

Until a few years ago, most households in the area depended on low-yield crops that barely covered basic expenses. Farmers say coffee has now changed that situation, becoming the main source of income for many families.

Tilak Bahadur Bal, 55, of Phalametar, said coffee farming has reduced the labour burden compared to...