When we talk about Nepal’s agricultural pride, turmeric always makes the list. Known for its vibrant color, rich aroma, and countless health benefits, turmeric has been a household essential for centuries. But in 2025, Dharan made headlines with the launch of the Maya Dharane Besar ( Turmeric ) Industry — a local initiative that has turned farmers’ hard work into a powerful community brand.
The name itself tells a story: “Maya” means love, and “Dharane” refers to something or someone from Dharan. Together, Maya Dharane Turmeric translates to “Turmeric with love from Dharan.”
A Local Dream Turns into Reality
The Maya Dharane Turmeric Industry was inaugurated in Dharan-20 with the vision of supporting local farmers and creating a self-reliant model for agricultural processing. Backed by Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City and Mayor Harka Raj Rai (Sampang), the factory was built with funding from both the government and local cooperatives.
This initiative ensures that turmeric grown in Dharan doesn’t leave as just raw produce. Instead, it’s cleaned, dried, ground, packaged, and sold as a finished, high-quality product — right from the heart of Dharan.
Rapid Success in the Market
Within just a month of launch, Maya Dharane Turmeric recorded sales worth NPR 3.8 million. The product quickly became a favorite among:
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Domestic consumers, who now prefer locally packaged, chemical-free turmeric.
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Tourists, who buy it as a cultural souvenir.
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International markets such as Hong Kong, Japan, the USA, and the UK, where the Nepali diaspora takes pride in gifting and using this authentic product.
The current production capacity is 300 kg per day, but demand already exceeds supply — a promising sign for future expansion.
Farmers at the Core
One of the most powerful aspects of this initiative is fair trade for farmers. Instead of selling raw turmeric at very low rates, farmers now get up to NPR 300 per kg, while the finished product sells for around NPR 800 per kg.
This not only boosts farmers’ income but also ensures that value remains within the community, rather than being lost to middlemen or imports.
Why Maya Dharane Turmeric Stands Out
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Authenticity – 100% locally grown, processed, and packaged in Dharan.
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Community-Owned – Managed by locals, for locals, with profits reinvested in the area.
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Quality & Trust – Clean, aromatic turmeric with no added chemicals.
Symbol of Pride – Represents Dharan’s identity, love, and resilience.
Beyond Business: A Social Revolution
Maya Dharane Turmeric is more than just a spice brand — it’s a movement. It challenges the belief that Nepal cannot produce world-class goods and shows that small industries can spark big changes.
This success story has become an inspiration for other towns and villages across Nepal to invest in local processing, reduce dependency on imports, and empower communities through sustainable enterprises.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric has been celebrated in Ayurveda and modern science for its powerful healing properties. Maya Dharane Turmeric offers all-natural goodness, including:
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Anti-inflammatory benefits for joint and muscle pain.
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Antioxidant properties that boost immunity.
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Improved digestion and liver function.
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Natural skincare benefits for glowing, healthy skin.
With the rise of organic living, people worldwide are now valuing turmeric not only as a spice but also as a superfood.