COFFEE CULTIVATION: Mheuyhi Abegoo has looked after the coffee plantation and garden at Nestlé’s Experimental and Demonstration Farm in Doi Tung, Thailand, since it was created.
In 1989, coffee was introduced as an alternate crop for hilltribe farmers in northern Thailand as part of a project to restore the ecological balance of the region. A Nestlé Experimental Coffee Development Farm was established in Doi Tung, with two NGO partners: the Doi Tung Development Project and Mae Fah Luang Foundation. Around 22 000 seedlings of 57 Arabica coffee varieties were planted to determine those most suitable for cultivation, and two were identified. Since the project began, more than 1.5 million improved Arabica seedlings have been provided to hilltribe farmers.
In addition to the technical support provided by Nestlé agronomists, we support a lunch programme for disadvantaged students at the local school and visit the school to teach students how to grow plants, especially coffee. The children of the farmers can then help their parents with the knowledge they have acquired.
Nestlé purchases coffee directly from more than 700 farmers at its six coffee-buying centres in the main coffee-growing areas of Thailand. Here, local coffee growers can not only sell their crops but also gain access to financial assistance and technical advice.
Nestlé Thailand is also committed to the sustainable use of water resources. Water used at the end of the production process is now stored and reused for the irrigation of coffee fields, reducing water use by 80%.
Before the Doi Tung Development project, I planted rice and opium poppies. They were difficult to handle and needed lots of fertilizer, yet yields were low and income was not good. After I started working with Nestlé, 17 years ago, we turned to planting coffee instead because it yields a good price, and only needs fertilizer three times a year. Our family now makes a much better living than before.
Yue-Yee Abegu, worker, Doi Tung Experimental & Demonstration Farm
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