A new kodo biscuit production industry has been established at Todke, a popular tourist spot located on the border of Raghuganga, Mangala rural municipalities, and Beni municipality in Myagdi. The factory will process local crops, especially millet (kodo), into biscuits.
The project is a joint effort between the Gandaki Province Government and Raghuganga Rural Municipality, operated by the Jhinka Farmers Group at Todke Hill Resort and Homestay. The factory will produce biscuits from traditional grains such as barley, naked barley (uwa), millet, and buckwheat. According to Raghuganga-5 Ward Chairperson Man Bahadur Shermanja, the trial production of millet biscuits has been successful, and plans are underway to produce biscuits from other grains as well.
The facility is equipped with machines for grinding grains, processing flour, and baking biscuits. Todke, located at an altitude of 2,300 meters, offers views of sunrise, hilly landscapes, and the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. Bhim Sherchan, operator of Todke Hill Resort and Homestay, said the factory will help consume locally produced traditional crops while also promoting tourism in the area.
To protect and promote traditional crops like barley and uwa, the provincial government allocated Rs 7.5 million and the rural municipality allocated Rs 2.5 million in fiscal year 2081–82 for a production and branding project. Through this project, cultivation of barley and uwa expanded to 300 ropani of land.
Farmers also received support in the form of 75% subsidy on agricultural equipment, including mini tillers, threshers, combine machines, brush cutters, biscuit-making machines, tarpaulins, metal bins, and irrigation pipes. Training sessions were also organized to teach farmers about the importance of traditional crops and modern farming techniques, as well as skills to prepare barley and uwa dishes for local hotels and homestays.
