On November 14th and 15th, 2024 (29th and 30th Kartik), Aloi Private Limited, in collaboration with UNDP, FNCCI, and WRRN, hosted an inspiring Market Fair at Palpasa Mall, Makwanpur. This two-day event celebrated sustainability, innovation, and community-driven entrepreneurship by featuring the incredible work of Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and budding entrepreneurs.

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A Platform for Sustainable Growth

The Market Fair aimed to drive green recovery and economic empowerment in Makwanpur by showcasing diverse, eco-friendly products. With a turnout of 700 visitors over two days, the fair buzzed with energy and enthusiasm.

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Spotlight on Local Talent and Innovation

23 stalls showcased a range of unique products, with participation from:

• 6 CFUGs
• 2 dairy product enterprises
• 15 local SMEs

Key attractions included:

• Handicrafts: Locally crafted treasures like thekis, keychains, and decorative tokens.
• Local Products: Turmeric, corn-husk flowers, and delectable Newari foods.
• Woolen Clothes: Traditional and sustainable garments.
• Herbal Products: Mugwort soaps, aloe vera, hemp, and nettle-based creations.
• Incense Sticks: A crowd favorite, contributing significantly to the sales figures.

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Economic Impact

The fair generated NPR 100,000 in total sales. Notable highlights: Despite the decent turnout, participants agreed that enhanced marketing could have attracted even larger crowds, especially on the first day.

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Esteemed Guests and Stakeholder Engagement

The event welcomed prominent figures from forestry and sustainable development sectors, including:

• Division and Assistant Forest Officers
• Chief of FECOFUN Hetauda
• Representatives from UNDP, WRRN, and the Institute of Forestry
  Their presence emphasized the fair’s importance as a hub for promoting community-based entrepreneurship and sustainable practices.

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Conclusion

Aloi Private Limited’s Market Fair was more than an event, it was a celebration of community spirit, innovation, and sustainability. By bringing together local producers, SMEs, and stakeholders, the fair paved the way for green recovery and economic empowerment in Makwanpur. With valuable insights and lessons learned, We are ready to make future editions even bigger and better!

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Stay tuned for more updates on Aloi’s initiatives supporting sustainable growth and community-driven entrepreneurship.

In September 2024, Aloi Pvt. Ltd in partnership with UNDP conducted three crucial training programs across different regions, focusing on “Business Plan Development, Financial Management, and Green Financing” for Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Makwanpur. This is one of the UNDP projects in Nepal 2024. The training was hosted in Chuchekhola, Piple Pokhara, and Bungdal, and provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences aimed at strengthening local entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable forest-based businesses.

1. Chuchekhola CFUG Training (Sept 25-27, 2024)

Our first training took place in the scenic village of Chuchekhola, where 34 participants gathered for three days of intensive learning. The focus was on marketing strategies, forest regulations, branding, and business planning. 

Key Highlights:

– Marketing & Branding: Participants learned traditional and digital marketing techniques and were encouraged to role-play as business owners of forest-based products like medicinal herbs and eco-tourism.

– Business Plan Development: Groups worked on drafting comprehensive business plans, focusing on production costs and marketing strategies.

– Financial Management: On the final day, participants studied into enterprise accounting, tax regulations, and financial forecasting, equipping them with tools for future growth.

2. Piple Pokhara CFUG Training (Sept 10-12, 2024)

In Piple Pokhara, we welcomed 35 participants for another three-day training program that aimed to empower local forest-based enterprises. The focus was similar to Chuchekhola, with a strong emphasis on business plan development.

Key Highlights:

– Forest Regulations & Marketing: Participants explored Federal Forest Regulations and learned the importance of branding in both local and international markets.

– Hands-on Business Planning: Groups worked on product-specific plans, creating strategies for items like bamboo combs and Nepal map keychains.

– Financial Planning: Practical sessions on investment, expenditure planning, and profit-loss analysis fostered collaborative learning.

3. Bungdal CFUG Training (Sept 14-16, 2024)

The final leg of our training journey took place in Bungdal, with 35 eager participants. Despite weather and logistical challenges, the training successfully covered essential aspects of business planning and financial management.

Key Highlights:

– Business Planning & Cost Analysis: Participants created business plans for products like turmeric powder and compost manure. A key takeaway was the importance of accurate cost analysis in ensuring sustainable business growth.

– Market Pitch Practices: On the last day, participants practiced pitching their business ideas, with a focus on effective branding and marketing strategies.

– Packaging & Branding: Emphasis was placed on how effective packaging and unique branding can make products stand out in competitive markets.

Conclusion 

Across all three regions, the training sessions were well-received, with participants showing great interest in learning and applying business and financial management skills. While the core objective business plan development was successfully achieved. We are happy to work alongside UNDP projects in Nepal 2024.

The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the CFUGs highlight the importance of continued support for these communities. We look forward to organizing more comprehensive training programs to further empower these forest-based enterprises.

Empowering Agriculture: Aloi’s Journey with Farmers

In peaceful surroundings where farmers’ hard work and hopes take root, Aloi has combined a tale of transformation and empowerment in the field of MSMEs in Nepal. Meet Aloi, the fintech innovator dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture across multiple sectors, from coffee and dairy to future horizons like tea and seeds. Here’s how Aloi’s journey happens in the heartlands of Nepal, impacting lives and shaping futures.

Coffee: Brewing Success

In the cloudy hills of Ilam, coffee isn’t just a crop; it’s a lifeline for hundreds of local farmers. Partnering with Karma Coffee and Agro Ilam, Aloi introduced digital tokens for finance, catalyzing investments that upgraded the equipment and elevated coffee quality. This initiative didn’t just increase farmers’ incomes by 30% and boost sales for Karma Coffee and Agro Ilam—it cultivated a thriving community where prosperity took root alongside aromatic beans. Aloi teamed up with Karma Coffee, Agro Ilam, and 200+ local farmers to digitally connect people from Gulmi, Lumle and other areas. 

Dairy: Nurturing Growth

Across the plains and valleys, Aloi joined hands with Central Dairy Cooperative Association Limited Nepal (CDCAN) and dairy cooperatives to empower dairy farmers. Digital tokens provided by Aloi facilitated investments in modernization, leading to a 20% increase in milk production efficiency and a 15% reduction in operating costs. Through tech training, farmers embraced sustainable practices and enhanced milk quality, paving the way for a resilient dairy sector poised for sustainable growth. We are conducting a training program where almost 1500+ farmers will be given the opportunity to join. And this training is run by CDCAN and Aloi. 

We have targeted the following areas: 

• Kathmandu 
• Bhaktapur 
• Lalitpur
• Chitwan 
• Tanahu
• Kavre
• Makwanpur

There will be 3 days of training

where 2 days are led by CDCAN covering the SMART climate funding and the final day is run by Aloi, giving training on Financial literacy.

Tea: Brewing a Bright Future

Photo Credit: Aakriti Gajurel

Looking ahead, Aloi envisions a partnership with tea’s premium clients, set to elevate the industry to new heights. By empowering tea producers with digital finance solutions, Aloi aims to boost production efficiency by 30% and reduce environmental impact by 20%. This collaboration promises increased incomes, sustainability and profitability across global markets. 

Seeds and Beyond: Cultivating Tomorrow

Photo Credit: Ayusha Maharjan

Beyond coffee and dairy, Aloi’s plans extends to other agricultural products like seeds, where digital finance and strategic partnerships will unlock new potentials for growth and sustainability. Farmers, once constrained by financial barriers, now find themselves equipped with the tools and support needed to flourish in a competitive market landscape.

Your Journey: From Dream to Reality

At Aloi, we’re more than finance; we’re about nurturing dreams and growth in agriculture. Imagine yourself as a farmer dedicated to your land, dreaming of expanding your farm and providing fresh produce to your community. Yet, financial barriers often stand in your way.

Enter Aloi, your dedicated fintech partner. We offer innovative digital token loans designed to provide the financial boost you need to turn your dreams into reality. With grit and determination, you seize this opportunity, using our support to expand your farm operations and increase your yields.

Our role doesn’t end there. We go beyond financing to connect you with trusted vendors eager to showcase your premium produce. This collaboration opens doors to local markets and upscale restaurants, where your products quickly gain recognition for their quality and freshness.

Supported by Aloi’s expertise and resources, you transform from a small-scale grower into a thriving commercial farmer. Your fields flourish, your community gains access to nutritious, locally grown food, and together, we cultivate a sustainable future where agriculture thrives.

We’re here to empower farmers like you, making dreams grow as we cultivate a brighter, greener tomorrow.

Conclusion: Cultivating Success, Together

In every field and every farmstead, Aloi is sowing seeds of evolution and reaping a harvest of prosperity. By empowering farmers with financial innovation and fostering sustainable practices, Aloi is not just transforming agriculture—it’s nurturing communities, bridging opportunities, and cultivating a future where every farmer and MSMEs businesses thrive. 

Join us on this journey to support the MSMEs in Nepal, where each success story is a testament to the power of partnership and the promise of a brighter, greener tomorrow.

Author: Malina Maharjan