Established in 2007, Narti Multipurpose Cooperative Ltd is a farmer-led organization in Province 5 of Nepal. Managed by a nine-member committee (three women, six men), the cooperative has four full-time staff (three women, one man) and five short-term women agriculture technicians providing extension services. Of 3,300 shareholder members (80% of whom are women), 97% are engaged in vegetable farming. Narti supports smallholder farmers by supplying quality seeds and fertilizers at subsidised rates and offering loans for small businesses like retail shops, tea stalls, and livestock rearing. Narti aims to improve the social and economic well-being of poor and marginalised farmers by connecting them with financial services, agricultural inputs, market information, and output markets. Initially reliant on savings, credit facilities, and agricultural input sales, the cooperative has expanded into vegetable trading. It currently employs 11 staff, including five short-term agricultural technicians and six in management, administration, marketing, and finance.

Promoting Aggregation, Value-addition and Strengthening Linkage with Output Markets 

The project with Narti Multipurpose Cooperative Ltd focused on enhancing the cooperative’s ability to strengthen both backward (farmers) and forward (markets) linkages to scale its aggregation role. Specifically, it supported Narti Cooperative in expanding its production base, institutionalizing post-harvest management, and improving marketing services. The project also provided technical assistance to improve management practices and governance, ensuring that the cooperative could deliver effective and efficient services to its members. The overarching goal was to help Narti Cooperative transition from a producer group to a producer SME, aligning with CASA’s vision of promoting the commercialization of smallholder agriculture through farmer organizations.The project lasted 18 months, with a total technical assistance and support package cost of £40,061, combining both technical assistance and grants. A total of 3,300 farmers were reached, contracted, and trained as part of the initiative.

Updated: February 2025