Dhankuta’s coconut biscuits continue to entice consumers

By Kabiraj Ghimire,Hile, Dec. 21: Anyone visiting Dhankuta who knows the coconut biscuits produced in the district returns home carrying the biscuits as Koseli (gift). Production of the biscuit widely known as Dhankute Coconut Biscuit had been begun by late Bishweshwar Man Shrestha, a resident of Dhankuta-4.

This biscuit is very popular not only in Dhankuta but also away from the districts. People coming to Dhankuta and going out of Dhankuta used to take this biscuit as a gift. Similarly, this biscuit reached abroad in the form of a gift.

Biscuits made from locally produced milk, ghee and flour are prepared by burning in a kiln made of raw bricks and clay. These biscuits are much tastier than industrially made biscuits.

The industry produces bakery items, including coconut biscuits, snacks, cookies, full cakes, piece cakes, coco biscuits, sliced bread, cookies, donuts and bread rolls.

The products of this industry reach neighbouring districts of Dhankuta. With the increase in its popularity, many biscuit industries have been added in Dhankuta.

Dhankute Coconut Biscuits have a long history. In 2008 B.S., Bishweshwar Man, who used to run a tea shop in Debrebas, brought Indian biscuits from Upper Kopche and sold them based on customer demand.

However, on the advice of some regular customers who came to the shop to drink tea, he started the practice of making biscuits himself.

Finally, he started producing biscuits with coconut from the year 2011 B.S. In the year 2030, the industry was registered in the district panchayat office and production started. Today, the same biscuit has become the identity of Dhankuta.

Anyone who reaches Dhankuta uses Dhankute coconut biscuits to take home for lunch. His son Mohan Shankhar Shrestha said that he is continuing the occupation started by his father.

"The biscuits that my father started producing are now very popular. Making a brand of these biscuits is a big contribution of my father. I will continue this occupation," he said.

With the success of Mohan Biscuits, many other industries are opening recently. Currently, 15 industries are registered and operating in Dhankuta city area.

Ishwor Thapa, chief of Cottage and Small Industries Office, Dhankuta, said that more than 100 people have been directly employed when more than Rs. 10 million worth of biscuits are produced annually.

Apart from this, around a dozen such industries are operating in other areas of the district as well. Due to the popularity of Dhankute coconut biscuits, it is very difficult to meet the demand.

Tika Katwal, owner of Om Biscuit Industry, said that due to lack of sufficient manpower to make biscuits, the industry has not been able to expand the production and market as per the demand.

Recently, it is very difficult to meet the market demand for this biscuit. Due to the increased demand in the market, coconut biscuits are also being produced in other places in the east, besides Dhankuta.