Growing local barley in Nepal for export
Barley is a fundamental ingredient in the production of beer and is usually imported from Europe and Australia. However, as a result of the global demand for alternative crops for bio-fuel, the cost of barley has been rising steadily as its supply has become less consistent.
Finding alternative supplies
In order to ensure a regular supply of malt for smooth production and to control rising prices, Carlsberg has been active in finding alternative supplies of barley in the communities where it operates. In this way, high import costs from traditional western markets can be avoided and local farmers can be engaged in its production. With funding in place, Carlsberg senior scientists started work in Nepal to find the right seed variety that would give maximum yield from Nepali soil and plantation took place at our barley site in Mukundapur.
Working with local farmers
For the initiative to work, various challenges needed to be overcome. The seed variety required for industrial barley production was not available locally so negotiations were required with local government agencies to allow for seed imports to take place. Additionally, local farmers had to be willing to participate in an agricultural process that was new to them.
Benefits for the communities
The main advantage of growing barley locally is that it provides an additional source of income for rural farmers in areas where it is badly needed. Cultivation and use of fallow land during cold and dry seasons produces a valuable industrial crop for the local community to sell. A regular supply of malt can then be obtained for end production, avoiding price and supply fluctuations.
Community initiatives
Carlsberg is engaged in a long term policy of working together with local communities to create advantage of everyone and achieve mutual goals. It is part of our community engagement policy across the globe.